"Drink and drug driving is a thoroughly selfish, irresponsible act"
Suffolk Police has launched their month-long campaign to deter motorists from driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
Suffolk Police along with the county's emergency services have launched their annual campaign to warn residents of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The month-long #NoExcuses program will look to inform motorists of the consequences of drink or drug driving and punish those who offend in the lead up to and during Christmas.
Tim Passmore is the county's Police and Crime Commissioner. He says: "There is no excuse for drinking and driving. You put yourself at risk, you put others at risk and sadly it can have tragic consequences, causing serious injury or even fatalities."
A total of 86 people were arrested during last month's campaign. Inspector Gary Miller is from the force's Joint Roads and Armed Policing team: "Last year there was a lot less traffic on our roads during lockdown. More people will be needing to drive about this year because it's the first time in two years people can go to Christmas parties or out to pubs and see their friends and families.
"We're absolutely supportive of that but the message is, do it responsibly."
Commissioner Passmore says that there will be renewed efforts to target what he believes is a small proportion of motorists who think they are above the law.
"We've been running this campaign for many years and while the vast majority of people are sensible and law abiding, there is a small selfish minority who somehow seem to think the law doesn't apply to them.
"Well, it jolly well does apply to them and the likelihood of them being caught and prosecuted is much higher because there is a real focus on that at this time of the year."
That increased focus will come in the form of enhanced patrolling late at night and early in the morning, as well as increased availability of court dates to prosecute those who offend.
"We will have extra resources out on the streets. We've got road side tests. Indeed, there are also early slots for court so if you are caught drink or drug driving you could in court the next day and have your license withdrawn", says Inspector Miller
Ultimately, they say they want to spread the message that there are no circumstances where driving under the influence is pardonable.
"You could die. You could cause the death of or serious injury to innocent people. It's a thoroughly selfish, irresponsible, unacceptable way to behave", says Commissioner Passmore.