More than 170 drink and drug driving offences were committed by motorists during the first half of the annual Christmas enforcement campaign reports Kent Police.
Officers across the force have been carrying out stop checks and testing people involved in road traffic collisions for the presence of alcohol or illegal substances that impair their ability to drive. The campaign is part of the national Operation Limit initiative, which aims to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured during the festive period and runs throughout December.
Between 1 and 16 December there were a total of 172 offences including 50 for drink driving, 46 for drug driving, 56 for being unfit to drive due to drink or drugs, and 20 for failing to provide a specimen for testing.
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing, said:
‘Driving while impaired by drink or drugs is one of the leading causes of serious road collisions, alongside speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel. It is an incredibly selfish and dangerous act, and we make no hesitation in arresting offenders and bringing them before the courts where they face losing their licence and gaining a criminal record.
‘Our officers tackle drink and drug driving every day but this annual campaign is about raising awareness of the risks in the hope of preventing a family from losing a loved one this Christmas. If you’re planning to visit family, attend a party or go shopping over the coming weeks, please do not drink or take drugs before driving. If you intend to drink, arrange alternative transport to get home safely.’