Wiltshire Police crackdown on drink and drug driving
Almost 80 motorists were arrested or reported to court, during a two-week drink and drug driving operation.
Last updated 21st Sep 2020
Almost 80 motorists have been arrested or reported to court, during two weeks of action by Wiltshire Police.
In August, officers focused their efforts on stopping motorists suspected of drink or drug driving.
Between 19 and 31 August there were:
• 32 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
• 36 drivers arrested on suspicion of driving while over the legal drug limit.
• Three drivers arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.
Inspector Mark Freeman said that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have changed people's drinking habits, but did not mean the dangers of drink driving had altered.
He said: "Previously, we have perhaps focused our attentions on people who are out and about drinking in social situations, such as a trip to the pub or a night out on the town.
"However, due to COVID19, we know that the many people aren't currently socialising in the same way.
"Perhaps they are drinking at home or at friends' houses, and we don't want the public to become complacent and forget that these are still situations which could leave you over the limit.
"In fact, you might end up inadvertently consuming more alcohol due to pouring your own measures or having your drink topped up."
The majority of the arrests followed intelligence-led stops, using information reported by the local community.
He added: "Our message to you is this - if you are going to be drinking alcohol then it is not worth getting behind the wheel.
"The dangers of driving while intoxicated are very real and you could end up seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else."