Almost four a day caught drink driving in Staffordshire

There were a total of 3,516 people arrested for driving under the influence in the county between June this year and January 2015 – an average of just under four people a day.

Staffordshire Police made 719 drink drive arrests between June and January this year, 1,403 in 2016 and 1,394 the year before.

Of those caught over the past two-and-a-half years, one was as young as 15-years-old and the oldest was aged 85. There were 1,029 drunk drivers arrested and taken to Watling Street police station at Gailey in South Staffordshire.

Suffering

While there were 1,694 at the Northern Area Custody Facility in Stoke-on-Trent and 680 to Burton Station.

Some were also taken to Stafford, Cannock and Tamworth Station.

Jason Wakeford, from road safety charity Brake, has called for a ‘zero-tolerance limit’ to be introduced.

He said: “Drink driving is illegal for a reason – because it leads to deaths and serious injuries, and causes appalling suffering. “Individuals who selfishly endanger the lives of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol should expect to face tough consequences. If we are to stampdrink-driving, we need to get tough with those who break the law, and introduce a zero-tolerance limit, making it clear that any amount of alcohol can be lethal behind the wheel.”

Last month saw 107 people driving over the limited arrested – a slight decrease on the month previous where 123 were stopped. It comes after various campaigns ran by the force to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers – including one in December 2016 which bid to reduce fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protect other road users.

The Never Drink or Drug Drive – Stop and Think campaign was co-ordinated through the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and ran across the county throughout the Christmas period last year.

During this campaign, the force’s officers focused on generally stopping motorists and carrying out tests throughout the day and night.

Following this, the data – obtained by the Express & Star – showed a notable spike in drink drivers around the Christmas period with 149 and 169 caught in December 2015 and 2016 respectively. Staffordshire Police were unavailable for comment at the time the newspaper went to press.

Meanwhile, West Midlands Police officers targeted the motorists getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink and drugs as part of a summer crackdown last month.

The month-long operation in June saw roadside stop checks and unmarked patrols used by police from the West Midlands Police and Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG).

Officers acted on intelligence to catch the irresponsible drivers.

Also, as part of the campaign, a driving simulator was based across the region throughout June which allowed people to see the effects of alcohol on driving.

West Midlands Police caught 568 drink drivers during the summer months of 2016.

The data reveals a huge decrease on the figures for summer 2014, when there were 705 arrests, and down from the previous three ‘spring’ months when there was 580 arrests.

The drink-drivers were caught during last June, July and August.

Across the UK, more than a combined 9,305 motorists were caught by all forces driving under the influence of alcohol during the 2015 summer period – more than any other season.

Anyone with information on a suspected drink or drug driver can call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.