The chief of police joined his officers in a crackdown on drunk driving and drugs in Sussex.
CC Jo Shiner helped officers at Old Shoreham Road, Hove, ask drivers if they had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Yesterday morning, officers from the Surrey and Sussex Roads Police Unit (UPP) carried out checks and 24 drivers were asked to take breath tests.
Police Chief Jo Shiner said: “This morning we stopped the drivers and spoke to them to see if they were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“So far we have stopped 251 motorists as part of the campaign, and it is sad that so many people think it is okay to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We are now seeing more people outside, including on our roads. We urge people to think very carefully about how much alcohol they have drunk before getting behind the wheel of the car.
“These are people taking personal responsibility for their own actions and the actions of others – do not drive if you are going to drink or use drugs, as the consequences can be fatal for yourself or an innocent member of the public. .
“Before and after the Euro 2020 final we will have high visibility patrols to stop anyone who is intoxicated or drugged while driving.
“Our brilliant teams will be there to catch people who think it’s okay to drink or do drugs and then drive.”
Two of the motorists both gave breath readings below the legal alcohol limit for drunk driving.
Other motorists have been questioned as part of the summer campaign that coincides with the Euro 2020 football tournament, where Surrey Police and Sussex Police are deploying increased resources to tackle one of the five most common causes fatal and serious collisions.
Two drivers saw their vehicles seized as part of the proactive checks.
One driver was arrested for driving while uninsured and the other driver was arrested for driving an untaxed vehicle.
Officers also spoke to three motorists not to wear seat belts and spoke to two electric scooter riders who received advice.
The aim is to keep all road users safe and to take strong action against those who put their lives and the lives of others at risk, and the campaign works alongside the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, of DriveSmart Surrey and Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. .
During the month-long campaign, 251 motorists have so far been arrested for drunk driving or drugs in Sussex.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: ‘It boggles the mind that with over 1,000 people killed or seriously injured every year on our roads in Sussex anyone would take the driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs. .
“These operations are a highly visible deterrent and demonstrate the force’s commitment and ability to remove unsafe, untaxed and uninsured drivers from our roads and ensure that violators are prosecuted.” The dedicated campaign runs from Friday June 11 to Sunday July 11, and is additionally at routine roadside checks 365 days a year.
“Consistent with previous campaigns, the identity of anyone arrested for drunk driving or drug use during this period and subsequently convicted will be posted on our website and on our social media.
Road Police Unit Chief Inspector Michael Hodder said: “We hope that by maximizing the publication of this campaign, people will think twice about their actions.
“We appreciate that the vast majority of motorists are safe and competent road users, but there is still a minority who ignore our advice and risk lives.
“Our advice to everyone – whether you’re watching football or hanging out with friends or family this summer – is drink or drive; never both.
“Alcohol affects different people in different ways, and the only way to ensure that you are driving safely is to not drink alcohol at all.
“Even a pint of beer or a glass of wine can get you over the limit and seriously affect your ability to drive safely.
“Think about it before you get behind the wheel. Don’t let your next trip be the last.
Between April 2020 and March 2021, 291 people were involved in an alcohol or drug-driving crash in Sussex; three of them were fatal. Between April 2020 and March 2021, 212 people were involved in an alcohol or drug-related crash in Surrey; two of them were fatal.
During the same period, a total of 1,185 arrests were made for drunk driving in Sussex, and a further 1,135 for drunk driving.
The consequences of driving while intoxicated or on drugs could include the following:
- A minimum ban of 12 months
- An unlimited fine
- A possible prison sentence
- A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
- An increase in your auto insurance
- Difficulty traveling to countries like the United States
You could also kill yourself or seriously injure yourself or injure someone else
Residents of Sussex can text officers to 65999 with details of people they suspect of driving while intoxicated or on drugs, or visit the Operation Crackdown website.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
If you know someone is driving over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-10 09:20:47
