Wiltshire Police issue drink and drug drive warning follow 43 arrests
It was during a two-week period where the force carried out checks across the county
Wiltshire Police are reminding drivers of the dangers of driving a vehicle under the influence of drink or drugs.
It is following 43 arrests for these offences across the county in a two-week period.
As part of an ongoing response to community concerns of an increase in reckless behaviour by some drivers during lockdown, the force are increasing proactive checks, alongside officers' regular duties, across Wiltshire.
A 'CONCERNING' NUMBER OF ARRESTS
Between 1st February and 14th February more than 40 people were arrested:
- * 22 were on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol
- * 21 on suspicions of driving under the influence of drugs
During the two-week period, the force carried out 67 speed checks across the county, with 56 traffic offence reports handed out, two fixed penalty notices, three court summons and 106 words of advice provided.
They also saw a reduction in the number of road traffic collisions they attended with 68, down by more than 30 on the previous two weeks (15th Jan - 1st Feb).
They are continuing to ensure that vehicles that drive on the roads in Wiltshire are safe to do so.
The force seized 44 vehicles for having no insurance as well as stopping 11 vehicles with no MOT and 13 with no tax.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said:
"While the numbers are concerning, we are pleased to see the impact we are having on drink and drug driving with our approach to roads policing during lockdown.
"However, we continue to see people taking unnecessary risks by using their vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"Over half of all suspected drug drivers that were arrested (55%) are from the 18-30 age group, which is disproportionately high when compared to the population of the county.
"It is never acceptable to drive whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs. Our officers are trained to spot the signs and we will always take action when drivers are stopped over the limit."
Jerry Herbert, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said:__
"Being convicted of drink or drug driving has a severely detrimental impact on your life, not to mention the lives you put at risk when you take to the road.
"You could be facing losing your licence or even going to prison.
"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the fatal four reasons that increase the chances of a road traffic collision on the roads of Wiltshire ending in serious injury or worse, a fatality.
"We know more people are drinking at home and there may be a false sense of security if you are not driving home from a pub or a restaurant after a drink, but alcohol and drugs stay in the system for longer than you think and it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to drive.
"Our message has always been very clear, there is never an excuse to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs."
This will continue across Wiltshire during the lockdown and Wiltshire Police encourage the public to raise their concerns with them.
If you know someone who regularly drink or drug drives, then please call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver's details or description, their car registration and a time or day that they always do it.