Kent Police is supporting a national campaign between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025 aimed at reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions.
Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is one of the ‘fatal factors’ that put motorists most at risk along with speeding, being distracted at the wheel (e.g. by a mobile phone) and not wearing a seatbelt. Any driver who commits a moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed or tested for drugs, with support provided by officers from across the force including volunteers from the Special Constabulary.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will also be carrying out regular traffic patrols and stopping any vehicles they believe may be being driven by someone under the influence.
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing, said:
‘Drinking alcohol or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel is an incredibly reckless and irresponsible thing to do and there is simply no excuse for it.
‘Hundreds of people across the UK needlessly die every year following collisions in which either they or the driver of another vehicle has been under the influence of drink or drugs, and we are fully supportive of Kent’s Vision Zero strategy to bring this number as close to zero as possible in our county.
‘Kent’s roads are very busy during the festive period as more people go Christmas shopping or out to socialise with friends, family and colleagues. Please remember to act responsibly, do not put yourself and others at risk, and leave your car at home if you are planning to have a drink.’
During last Christmas’ campaign a total of 392 people were arrested in Kent for drink and/or drug driving… Anyone convicted of such an offence risks receiving a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison… Anyone who causes a death due to being under the influence of drink and drugs could be jailed for life.