Norfolk Police ask drink and drug drivers: 'is your licence worth it?'

Norfolk Police has launched its annual Christmas campaign highlighting the risks of drink and drug driving

Emergency services
Author: Jasmine OakPublished 3rd Dec 2024

Norfolk Police has launched its annual Christmas campaign highlighting the risks of drink and drug driving - urging the public to consider 'is your licence worth it?'.

The campaign will run throughout the festive period until the 1 January 2025, with officers pledging to breathalyse every driver they stop.

Anyone caught driving under the influence could face six months imprisonment, be fined an unlimited amount and be banned from driving for at least a year.

'The message is simple'

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: “The message is simple – do not drive under the influence.

“It is important to note that alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for longer than you may realise. You could still be under the effects of drugs for days after you have consumed them.

“Losing your licence has a huge impact on your life. Your car insurance costs will rise dramatically and if you have to drive for work, you could lose your job. It may even affect your ability to travel to other countries.”

"There is still a misconception that driving under the influence of drugs is acceptable"

The force has also secured additional funding from National Highways to purchase drug wipes which will be used throughout the campaign to expand their testing capability and increase their chances of detecting drug drivers on our roads.

Lawrence Seager, Regional Safety Programme Manager from National Highways said: “The statistics make it clear: driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs drastically increases the risk of causing a collision.

"However, research shows that there is still a misconception that driving under the influence of drugs is acceptable. I hope the messages within this campaign help road users to understand that is not the case."

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