Police target drink and drugged-drivers

More than 4,500 people were caught drink-driving and over a thousand motorists were under the influence of drugs during the latest clampdown.
New targeted testing has seen the numbers of positive drink drive tests increase.New targeted testing has seen the numbers of positive drink drive tests increase.
New targeted testing has seen the numbers of positive drink drive tests increase.

National figures show forces across the country followed a targeted approach which saw an increase in alcohol tests showing a positive, failed or refused reading.

But the percentage of drivers being tested reduced as officers targeted drink-drive hotspots.

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Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, said: “It is encouraging to see that our intelligence led approach continues to work – fewer tests administered but increased criminal justice outcomes, with forces actively targeting hotspots and using their local knowledge to get drink and drug drivers off our roads.

“Even though this has been a successful summer campaign, it is still disappointing to see during the campaign over 4,500 people drink driving and over 1,000 people driving while under the influence of drugs. We remind those who drive when intoxicated that police forces across the country are better equipped than ever before to detect and prosecute drivers who ignore the law.”

The Chief Constable said the police had continued to see the benefit of the new drug driving law and swab kits. Nearly 40 per cent of those being screened tested positive at the road-side.

She added: “The dangers of drink or drug driving are real and we urge everyone to be responsible. Think twice before getting behind the wheel, drink or drug driving is a selfish decision that can ruin your life or someone else’s. Our message remains the same throughout the year – ‘don’t do it’.”

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But the figures have come under fire from road safety charity Brake.

Its communications and campaigns director Gary Rae said the figures showed ‘worrying signs’ with a increase in positive readings but less tests.

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