Ongoing Cleveland Police roads campaign finds 34 drivers under the influence of drink or drugs

34 drivers, who were stopped by Cleveland police as part of their latest operation, were found to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 16th Dec 2022

34 drivers, who were stopped by Cleveland police as part of their latest operation, were found to be under the influence of drink or drugs.

The campaign - to crack down on drink and drug driving during the World Cup and Festive season - started at the end of November with officers stopping and testing people on Teesside's roads.

15 drivers were found to be over the legal limit for alcohol and 19 were found to be driving under the influence of drugs.

Other alleged offences identified include two drivers with no insurance, one who failed to provide a specimen of breath and one who was issued with a fixed penalty for not wearing a seatbelt.

The National Police Chief’s Council campaign, which began in November and continues until January throughout the Christmas period and whilst the World Cup takes place, has seen officers proactively stopping numerous drivers across Cleveland to test for alcohol or drugs.

Roads Policing Operations Sergeant Mark Kewley said:

“Whilst we know that the majority of people do abide by the law, 34 so far have been found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is astounding that anyone is happy to get behind the wheel of a car and risk not only their only life, but the lives of other innocent members of the public.

“Anyone who considers it acceptable to drive under the influence and takes the risks are warned that, should they be stopped and found to be over the limit, we will use the full force of the law to keep them off the roads in order to help keep others safe.”

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