Wiltshire Police cracking down on drug driving
The Roads Policing Unit say they'll be doing 'high profile' checks
Wiltshire's Roads Policing officers are leading a campaign this week to crack down on drink and drug driving across the county.
We're told 'high profile roadside checks' will be carried out throughout the day and night, alongside Community Policing Teams.
As well as breathalysers, officers will also be carrying our drug screening.
Police stats show that drivers who have consumed drugs and alcohol before getting behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
In 2021, Wiltshire Police arrested 409 people on suspicion of drug driving and 661 people on suspicion of drink driving.
Inspector Andy Moreton, of the Wiltshire Road Policing Unit, said:
“This is a busy time of the year with many people heading off on holiday by road before the bank holiday or just driving to meet up with friends and family.
“We don’t wish to spoil the holiday fun but it’s important that people plan ahead and make arrangements to get home safely when out socialising. If you are relying upon another driver to get you home safely then please ensure that they stay drug-free and sober. Drink or drug driving is simply not worth the risk and we will catch you.”
“Catching drug and drink drivers is part of our daily work every day of the year but we will be paying particular attention to those who are suspected or reported as drug driving over the next two weeks during the NPCC campaign.”
“I would urge the public to call our Drink/Drug Drive Hotline and report any driver who fails to heed this warning, as we will actively target any driver we suspect to be driving under the influence.”
Campaign also running in Hampshire
A similar initiative is also taking place across the Joint Roads Policing Unit serving Hampshire and the Thames Valley.
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg, said:
“The message is simple, if you’re drinking alcohol, let someone else do the driving. If you think you are safe to drive after drinking, think again.
“Operations like this one are vitally important to bring the message home – this is all about saving lives and reducing harm on our roads. The consequences of driving while impaired are so impactive, too many people have lost their lives or been seriously injured as a result of drink and drug drivers.
“We are urging people to plan how they will be getting home from parties, barbecues and days at the beach in advance if you will be drinking. Pre-book a taxi, use public transport or have a designated driver so nobody gets behind the wheel when they shouldn't.
"Another thing we want to highlight is you may still be over the limit the next day, as it can take hours for alcohol and drugs to leave your system. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system has the ability to effect the way you drive, increasing the risk of serious harm to yourself and other innocent road users.
"Please plan your journeys this summer and make sure a day in the sun doesn't turn into a night in a cell, or worse. Our message is simple. Don’t drink or drug drive – it’s not worth the risk."
If we suspect someone of drink or drug driving, we're urged to report it to police.
We can do that by calling 101, or 999 if someone's life is in immediate danger.
You can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you want to make an anonymous report.