Cars seized and arrests made in BCP drink and drug driving crackdown
Dorset Roads Policing Officers have been out with Special Constables
Dorset Police have been cracking down on Christmas drink and drug drivers in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Two nights of spots checks have taken place involving Roads Policing Officers and Special Constables.
Two people were arrested last Wednesday evening (18th December) - with five more detained on Friday night (20th December)
Seven vehicles were also seized.
Drivers were dealt with for other offences like having no insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, not having tax on their vehicles and driving without due care and attention.
Vehicles with defective headlights and tyres, were stopped too.
Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said:
“We know that people may consider driving home from a Christmas gathering while under the influence of either drink or drugs and we want to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
“Our enforcement activity at the static stop check sites allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to preventing people from driving while impaired, while also giving us an opportunity to provide education to drivers about using our roads responsibly and within the law.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in these enforcement operations for helping to prevent road traffic collisions and protecting lives.
“We were really pleased to be supported by our dedicated colleagues from the Special Constabulary to assist us in providing an increased visible presence out on the roads.
“We tackle reports of drink and drug driving all year round and our enforcement activity will continue to deter motorists from driving in a dangerous manner.
“All too often we hear that people are reluctant to report a drink or drug driver as they don’t believe anything will come from it. Throughout December we are providing a call back to every informant to update on what police activity has taken place and we would like to thank everyone for their support so far.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added:
"I know from public engagement that road safety is a priority for Dorset residents. The Force works all year round to educate drivers about the risks of drink and drug driving, and enforce the law when offences are committed to prevent avoidable deaths. But I know Christmas and New Year is a time for celebrating with family and friends, so I urge everyone to carefully consider the consequence of their actions before getting in their car over the festive season.
"Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ most common causes of deaths on Dorset roads so if you decide to get behind a wheel under the influence, you will put your own and others’ lives at risk. I am lobbying the government for tougher sanctions to impose on drivers caught breaking the law, and to lower the legal limit of alcohol consumption for motorists. I want to take this opportunity to thank officers and especially our Special Constable volunteers, that gave up their time last week to help make Dorset’s roads a safer place to drive."
If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, you're asked to call Dorset Police on 999, providing the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.