Christmas crackdown vow on drink and drug-drivers

Police on Wearside will be enforcing a month-long Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-driving.

Across the country, an average of 54,099 people are convicted of driving or attempting to drive while over the legal limit every year.

Now police chiefs in Sunderland are reminding motorists in Sunderland that convictions can lead to a minimum driving disqualification of 12 months, up to six months in prison and fines of up to £5,000.

Superintendent Sarah Pitt, Head of Operations for Northumbria Police, said: “Driving offences are always something we take extremely seriously as the consequences can be so severe.

“This campaign is targeted at those who think they are still OK to drive after consuming alcohol or taking drugs. Those people are putting their own, and other, lives at risk and we’re committed to putting a stop to that.”

On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in a drinkdrive collision.

In March 2015, the drugdriving law changed to make it easier for the police to convict drug-drivers. Sixteen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law including cannabis, cocaine, Ecstasy and ketamine.

Supt Pitt added: “The aim of this campaign is to urge motorists to think before they drink, take drugs and get behind the wheel.

“Our officers will robustly enforce the law in relation to drink and drug driving to ensure our roads are kept safe this Christmas.

“The bottom line here is that you actions can cause death or serious injury of others or yourself. Drink and drug-driving is not worth the risk.”