Would you report a drink driver in Surrey this Christmas?
Surrey Police are asking the question during their crackdown.
Last updated 26th Dec 2022
A national campaign being supported by Surrey Police is asking people to report drink driving.
It's urging the public to help “prevent, persuade and call the police” on drink drivers this winter.
Latest survey figures show that 81% of Brits (88% in Sussex and Surrey) say drink drivers should be reported to the police, but less than half would actually do it in practice.
The survey also found 36% of men and 46% of women say they’d take a drink driver’s car keys off them.
A staggering 2% say they wouldn’t try to stop a friend from drink driving.
Surrey and Sussex police will have resources dedicated to preventing and detecting incidents of drink and drug-driving until January 2nd, in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year.
'Drink Driving - Together We Can Stop It' is a campaign that's appealing to the public's sense of shared responsibility and highlights how we can all help to reduce the number of people seriously injured or killed on the roads.
The force is urging people to report drink drivers this festive season.
In the December 2021 campaign, a total of 174 arrests were made on suspicion of drink and drug driving by Surrey police.
The force has confirmed 11 arrests were made this Christmas weekend alone this year.
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, from Surrey and Sussex Roads policing, said:
“Drink and drug-driving really does destroy lives and is something we see far too much on Surrey roads. Most people are safe and conscientious motorists, but despite knowing the risks, there is still a small number of people who are not only willing risking their own lives but the lives of others.
“Remember even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely and 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.
“If you are going out, look after yourself and friends, arrange alternative and safe ways home”
If you know someone who is driving whilst over the limit or after taking drugs. Call 999.