22 motorists arrested for drink-drug driving
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TW E N T Y-T W O motorists were arrested across Runcorn and Widnes in a police crackdown on drink and drug driving during June.
Of those, 17 were in Runcorn – 10 for alcohol and seven for drugs, while in Widnes there were three booze arrests and two for drugs.
Cheshire police said that across the county more than 250 drivers are facing driving bans and large fines following the operation.
Throughout June, roads officers carried out extra checks in a bid to reduce offending and the numbers of casualties.
In total, 121 suspects were arrested for drink driving, while another 131 were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.
The figures compare to 141 arrests for drink driving and 73 arrests for drug driving in June 2016.
Topping the Cheshire drink and drug drive league tables was Macclesfield with 23 arrests for booze and 46 for drugs.
Widnes had the lowest number in both categories of offence.
Superintendent Martin Cleworth, of Cheshire Police Task Force, said: “It’s disappointing to see that so many people still believe that it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“The dangers of both drink and drug driving are well known – it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards.
“All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
“All of those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on both their personal and professional lives.”
All roads policing officers in Cheshire are equipped with both alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
David Keane, Cheshire’s Police And Crime Commissioner, said: “It’s pleasing to see the work that officers are undertaking to make Cheshire’s roads safer by pro-actively tackling people who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating; they can cause a ripple effect that can have shattering ramifications for not only the driver of the vehicle, but innocent members of the public.
“I’m glad to see the positive stance being taken by our police service and I will work closely with the chief constable to ensure that this continues into the future.”
Supt Cleworth added: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and I cannot reiterate enough how much drivers are risking their own lives and the lives of others.
“While this operation has now concluded, our commitment to removing dangerous drivers from the streets of Cheshire continues, and we will use all of tools available to help us achieve our goal.
“I also want to urge people to help us by coming forward to report anyone they believe may be under the influence.
“Together we can help make the roads across the county safer for everyone.”