Police launch Christmas drink and drug drive crackdown
Officers in Greater Manchester increase patrols as part of festive campaign.
Greater Manchester Police have launched their annual ‘None for the Road’ drink and drug drive Christmas campaign.
At the launch this morning at the Trafford Centre, officers showed members of the public the equipment and process involved in testing for the presence of drink and drugs there was also a police BM3 I3 on show.
Officers will be running a month-long operation, throughout the festive period, in which they will be breathalysing and drug testing drivers around the clock.
Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Many people drink around the limit in the false belief that they are safe to drive. But you don’t have to be drunk to be a drunk driver and even one can make you unsafe to drive. Throughout December extra staff will be on duty to stop vehicles and if the circumstances are such then drivers will be required to provide a roadside screening breath test or drug test. Failure to provide this will result in the driver being arrested.”
He went on to state: “Our message is clear; don’t risk your own life and those of others for the sake of drink and drugs. None for the road is the only way to be sure that you’re in control.”
Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority said: “Our firefighters deal with consequences of drink and drug driving on our roads every day. It only takes a second to lose control of your vehicle and cause a life- threatening crash, especially if you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drink and drug drivers not only risk their own lives, but those of the public and the emergency services, who have to deal with their actions. Our message is simple, this Christmas the only way to stay safe is to have none for the road.”
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “Drink and drug driving is never worth the risk. The consequences of it could see your life and the lives of others changed forever. Don’t let alcohol and drugs ruin your own or anybody else’s festive season.”
As well as the launch this morning, there will also be other events with the opportunity to find out more about drug and drink drive testing and to have a go in a driving simulator that mirrors the effects of driving whilst under the influence. The events will be on:
Saturday 3rd December, from 4pm to 10pm outside the Dog and Partridge public house, Wallgate, Wigan.
Sunday 4th December, from noon to 7pm, outside RBS in St Ann’s Square, Manchester City Centre.
To keep up-to-date with this year’s drink drive campaign, follow @gmptraffic on Twitter and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad and #GMPChristmas.
If you suspect anyone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, contact the police directly on 101. Or 999 in an emergency where they pose an immediate threat to themselves or other road users. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.