Kent Police’s latest crackdown on drink- and drug-driving will run from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 August 2023.
Taking action against people who drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is a year-round priority for the force, with officers also participating in a number of national road safety campaigns.
Road checks will be carried out day and night throughout this latest enforcement period, targeting motorists suspected of driving whilst impaired who may also be committing other offences. Officers from across the force will be taking part to assist their colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and Road Safety Unit, with volunteers from the Special Constabulary also being deployed.
Anyone stopped in their vehicle could be asked to take a breath or drugs test, with an arrest sure to follow if they are found to have broken the law.
Last month a motorist received a fine of £1,090 and was disqualified from driving for 14 months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol on the A2 near Cobham in December 2022. They were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £872 and court costs of £320, and must attend a drink-driving rehabilitation course.
The driver had been travelling very slowly and weaving between the lanes on the coastbound carriageway, and failed to stop for officers who followed the vehicle for nine miles onto the M2 before making tactical contact with it near the junction for Chatham.
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing, said: ‘Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is incredibly reckless and irresponsible. It poses an increased risk to the driver themselves as well as their passengers, other road users and pedestrians, and contributes to large numbers of deaths and serious injuries on roads across the UK every year.
‘Road safety is a key focus of Kent Police’s ongoing Safer Summer initiative and we regularly take action against those who break traffic laws. This latest national campaign is another opportunity for us to raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving, and to place a renewed emphasis on tackling offenders during the enforcement period.
‘Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is simply unacceptable and could easily result in tragedy. Catch a train, call a cab or ask a friend or relative to drive you – but whatever you do, please do not get behind the wheel.’
Other advice
- The maximum penalty for drink/drug-driving is six months in prison. You can also receive an unlimited fine and an automatic driving ban of at least one year in length, which may affect your ability to work and earn a living.
- If you have been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.
- Alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving as even one drink could put you over the limit.
- It is an offence to drive with any controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood.
- You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about whether your prescription or over-the-counter medication will affect your ability to drive.
Click here for more information and advice and here to read about the Safer Summer initiative.