Police crack down on drink and drug driving in Surrey this Christmas

Surrey Police have launched their Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers.

The force says while most people are safe drivers "there is a small minority who still seem prepared to take the risk".

It said more than 2,600 motorists have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving in Surrey since the beginning of 2018.

It is reminding drivers that drink and drug-driving is one of the most common causes of collisions which result in death or serious injury.

The campaign started on 1 December and ends on 1 January.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: "The consequences of drink and drug-driving are far reaching. Even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely, and you increase the risk of seriously injuring or even killing yourself or someone else.

"Imagine being responsible for something like that. Not only have you destroyed the life of that person and their loved ones, you've also destroyed your own life.

"This is not just a warning; this is the reality. In the past three years (October 2017 - September 2020), there have been 296 collisions in Sussex and 214 collisions in Surrey which have resulted in death or serious injury, and where drink or drugs has been the main contributory factor.

"Working with our divisional colleagues and partners including Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and DriveSmart in Surrey, we are committed to improving the safety of all road users and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on our roads.

"Our approach to reducing KSIs will target those at greatest risk on our roads, including motorcyclists, young drivers and vulnerable road users, and we will make the road network a hostile place for those intent on criminality by denying them use of the roads.

"We will achieve this through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement, and we will continue to improve the safety of the road network with special emphasis on reducing casualty rates of vulnerable users."

In keeping with previous campaigns, anyone arrested during this period and convicted will be identified on Surrey Police's website and social media channels.

Chief Insp Hodder added: "By raising awareness of this very serious issue, we hope to discourage people from getting behind the wheel having consumed drink or drugs. Those who do break the law will be dealt with robustly.

"It's also important to add that drink and drug intake affects different people in different ways. This can depend on your gender, height, weight, and even stress levels, for example.

"You could also be over the limit several hours after you've stopped drinking, so make sure you give it enough time before you drive.

"Drugs stay in your system far longer."

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: "As we look forward to reunite with a small number of our closest loved ones for a few days this Christmas, avoiding alcohol or staying under the limit if you plan to drive remains important to protect your own, and others' safety.

"Enjoy a respite from what has been a difficult 2020 by planning ahead; such as designating a driver, and considering the risk if you are likely to be making more journeys, less likely to stay over, or travelling over fewer days."

What are the consequences of drink or drug-driving?:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;

• A minimum 12 month ban;

• An unlimited fine;

• A possible prison sentence;

• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;

• An increase in your car insurance costs;

• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org