"Significant increase" in drug driving in Sussex as police launch Christmas crackdown
Around 60 people have been arrested in the first four days of a police campaign in the county and in Surrey
Police say there's been a "significant increase" in drink and drug drivers in Sussex after making sixty arrests in just the first four days of their annual crackdown.
Patrols have been increased as part of the annual Operation Limit Campaign, which sees more drivers subject to stop checks over the festive period.
Of the sixty arrested, over 40% were related to drink and drug driving offences.
The campaign runs between December 1st and New Year's Day.
During last year’s campaign, Sussex Police made a total of 261 arrests, of which 56% were for drug driving related offences.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who also is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:
“Driving while intoxicated through alcohol or drugs destroys lives, but tragically every day we still see reckless drivers getting behind the wheel.
“They are putting themselves and all other road users at risk. People who consume alcohol or drugs and then drive need to be stopped."
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:
"Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.
“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness of how long drugs can stay in your system, causing people to unknowingly drive over the limit.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Each year, Sussex Police’s winter crackdown to tackle drink and drug driving results in hundreds of people being arrested.
“Whilst it’s good news that those who are committing these dangerous crimes are being taken off our streets and facing the consequences, these results show that there is still a selfish minority that do not understand the severity of getting behind the wheel under the influence.
“The repercussions can be tragic and fatal. There are many other options and methods of transport to use across our county, it simply isn’t worth it. I know it can be difficult to report someone you know for drink or drug-driving but it could be life-saving.”
In keeping with previous campaigns Sussex Police will be publishing the names of some of those convicted to raise awareness of the issue and to act as a deterrent to others from committing the same offence.
The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:
• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance costs;
• Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA.
Those who know someone who is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs are asked to call 999.
They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online www.crimestoppers-uk.org