Staffordshire Police in summer clampdown to catch drink-drivers

The force is taking part in a national summer drink-drive campaign which sees officers taking part in educational and enforcement action by carrying out random roadside checks on drivers they suspect may be under the influence.

Police aim to raise awareness of the dangers of driving whilst intoxicated by alcohol or drugs – one of the four main causes of fatal collisions on UK roads.

Inspector Matt Derrick, of the force’s tactical support team, said: "Despite the recent weather, summer for many people is associated with being outdoors enjoying the longer days and having a drink in a beer garden or at a barbecue with friends.

"With that in mind, we are people to think before they drink and drive this summer. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive.”

The move, launched at the weekend(15th), is part of Staffordshire Police’s new roads policing plan, Operation Lightening, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads, as well as disrupting and deterring criminals’ use of the road network.

Between January 2017 and May 2019 almost 3,500 drivers were arrested for drink/drug driving. Of those 2,435 provided a positive breath test, 719 were arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and 278 for driving under the influence of a controlled drug.

Inspector Derrick said: “We want to get across to drivers the message that alcohol or drugs and driving don’t mix.

“Alcohol makes people’s reactions slower and makes processing information more difficult and when driving, this can impact on reactions and decision making, which puts both drivers and other road users at risk.

“There is no fool-proof way of drinking and staying under the drink drive limit. The amount of alcohol you would need to drink to be considered over the driving limit varies from person to person, depending on weight, age, sex and metabolism."

Police can stop and test any driver they suspect of drink driving or being on drugs, and may also test if a driver is stopped for another offence, or if they are involved in a collision.

Between January 2017 and May 2019 nearly 3,500 drivers were arrested for drink/drug driving. Of those 2,435 provided a positive breath test, 719 were arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and 278 for driving under the influence of a controlled drug.

Officers say they will also be looking out for early morning motorists who may still be under the influence from the night before.

Drivers who test positive will receive a minimum 12 month driving ban, a substantial fine and the possibility of a prison record, the force warned.