Police to use ‘intelligence-led tactics’ to detect drink/drug drivers

12.00 | 1 December 2016 |

Police forces across the country will be using intelligence-led tactics and local knowledge of hotspots to detect people who are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the festive period.

This announcement came from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) as it launches its annual month-long operation to tackle those who drive under the influence.

Launched today (1 Dec), the campaign will run throughout December and sets out to remind motorists that even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely.

This is the second drink/drug enforcement campaign this year, following the summer campaign which saw 45,267 motorists breathalysed, with 4,539 (10.0%) testing positive, refused to provide or failed. There were also 2,588 drug screening device tests administered, 1,028 (39.7%) of which were positive.

During the 2015 festive campaign 1,888 drug screening tests were administered, almost half of which were positive – a much higher detection rate than ever previously recorded. Police forces also administered 110,226 breath tests nationally, of which 5,543 were positive, failed or refused.

In addition to targeted operations, NPCC will also be sharing social media campaigns designed by police forces, government and charity partners in a bid to educate motorists.

Chief constable Suzette Davenport, NPCC lead for roads policing, said: “People who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol are behaving irresponsibly and risking the safety of all road users. Police forces across the country will be dedicating resources to prevent drink and drug driving and catch offenders.

“Don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Even a very small amount of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely. Don’t let your friends and family pay the price.”

 

 

Comments

Comment on this story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close