Wiltshire Police Step-Up Drink and Drug Drive Campaign

Wiltshire Police are stepping up their summer drink and drug drive campaign. At the beginning of this month the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) summer drink and drug drive campaign was launched nationally and will operate throughout the month.

In support of this campaign, Wiltshire Police will be stepping up roadside enforcement in a determined effort to catch those drivers who ignore the warnings and advice.

Chief Inspector Ian Copus, Head of Roads Policing for Wiltshire Police, said: "We are putting a great deal of time and effort into this year's campaign, with the intention of showing the public that drink and drug driving is completely anti-social, and a grave danger to other road users." 

All Wiltshire officers will have a role to play during the month, although the greatest input will come from the Roads Policing Unit who will be conducting high profile roadside checks. Their activities will also be reinforced by officers from the Armed Response Group and the Dog Section. 

Despite repeated messages, drink-related road deaths are, nationally, still far too high. This campaign is therefore designed to raise awareness of the serious consequences of being caught drink or drug driving. Penalties could include a minimum 12 month driving ban, a large fine, a criminal record, and serious implications for future insurance premiums.  

A conviction could also have a huge impact on personal lifestyle with the possibility of job loss and the reliance on public transport to get around. 

The Chief Inspector added: "The message from us is perfectly clear.  If you take a chance on drink driving, you will be caught. Research shows that more enforcement results in a decrease in the number of people caught driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. By stepping up enforcement over the summer period, and with involvement and support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence."

To help tackle drug-impaired driving, Roads Policing Officers in Wiltshire have been trained in Field Impairment Testing (FIT) techniques.  Chief Inspector Copus explained: "Whilst the Police have always had, and retain, a power to arrest drivers whom they suspect may be unfit to drive through drink or drugs, the FIT tests help us to better determine at the roadside, whether or not the driver may be under the influence of drugs. These tests are a useful practical addition to our capability to tackle the misery of death and injury on the roads caused by driver impairment - be that by consumption of alcohol, drugs, or both".

Wiltshire Police are also promoting the Drink-Drive Hotline number again this year, and as a reminder, members of the public are able to report a drink-driver by telephoning 0845 408 7000 and selecting option 4.