Police in Herts and Bucks stand up to drug-driving problem
There were 23 fatalities and collisions in Hertfordshire last year
There were 23 serious collisions and fatalities involving drugs in Hertfordshire last year.
Local Police forces including Hertfordshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police are reminding people about the seriousness of the problem.
As part of a national campaign against drug-driving, people are being reminded that the outcome can destroy lives forever.
Hertfordshire Constabulary is pushing the message that the consequences for the offence will also not be light.
Consequences of drug-driving
Penalties for drug driving include a criminal record, a 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a prison sentence.
Chief Inspector at the Unit is reminding people that the consequences can be devastating, as drugs impair people’s basic abilities to think and react while driving.
He said:
"Driving while under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous"
"They affect people in a variety of ways, all of which impair the way you think, act and react."
"Anyone whose driving appears erratic, reckless or otherwise impaired will be stopped by our officers."
"If convicted, you face a hefty fine as well as the possibility of a driving ban or prison time, not to mention the chance of losing your job.”
The issue of drug abuse is also a prominent issue in Aylesbury, where the Police are working to make the area more hostile for drug users, and have dismantled over 50 drug lines operating in the area.
Superintendent Michael Loebenberg, Commander for the Aylesbury Vale local policing area, said:
"The work of the Aylesbury Vale Stronghold team focuses on pursuing and disrupting organised criminals who are operating in the area."
"Our focus on reducing violence targets these criminal networks harming our communities through crime and exploitation, inherently linked to the supply of drugs."
"The team use visible and covert tactics to monitor, identify and pursue individuals to dismantle the criminal activity they are undertaking."