Police crackdown on drink and drug drivers

Police have launched a summer crackdown on drink and drug-drivers in Sussex and Surrey.

The two-week campaign aims to educate motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence, and to target offenders who pose a risk to themselves and other road users.

While officers routinely respond to reports of drink and drug-driving 365 days a year, patrols are be increased across the counties from June 29 to July 13.

The campaign also coincides with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s seatbelt operation, aimed to raise awareness of the potentially devastating consequences of not belting up in a vehicle.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our priority is to keep everyone as safe as possible on our roads, and to deal robustly with anyone who compromises the safety of themselves or anyone else.

“Much of this is down to education and enforcement of the ‘fatal four’ offences – speeding, drink and drugdriving, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt. These are the four most common causes of fatal and seriously injury collisions on our roads.

“I’m sure people will have heard me warn them about these dangers before, but the message remains the same as I am committed to saving lives. Drink and drug-driving destroys lives, it’s as simple as that.

“While the vast majority of motorists drive safely and responsibly, there continues to be a small minority who think they are above the law. Whether you ‘feel fine’ or were ‘just around the corner’, we’ve heard every excuse in the book. But there’s no excuse for ever driving under the influence of drink or drugs.”

Last year in Sussex, a total of 289 crashes involving a drink-driver resulted in one or more persons being injured. Of these, four were fatal.

Chief Insp Hodder added: “These are statistics which are wholly avoidable. By choosing to drink-drive, you are choosing to put your life – and the lives of other innocent road users – at risk.

“We’ll continue to proactively patrol our counties’ roads and respond to reports of drink and drug-drivers when we receive them. We can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere.

“Think carefully before you make your next journey. It could be your last.”