01 Jun, 2017 10:40 News

Surrey and Sussex Police will be cracking down on drink and drug driving offences this summer as part of the Forces year-round strategy which targets offending motorists in a bid to prevent collisions and save lives on the roads across the two counties.

The campaign, which runs for one month from Thursday, 1 June, will see officers out on patrol actively looking for driving offences and behaviour behind the wheel which may be due to the driver being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. They will be identifying motorists who break the law and risk the lives of themselves and other road users.

Police made 108 arrests in Surrey as part of last year’s initiative in June 2016.

Superintendent Chris Moon, Head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “In the summer months when the weather tends to be nicer people will often stay out drinking later into the evening. There are some who find the temptation of driving home after a few drinks all too tempting and we want to share the message that this is not acceptable and drink or drug driving of any kind won’t be tolerated in Surrey or Sussex. Our advice is simple – go cold turkey or do not drive.

“Driving with drink or drugs in your system impairs your judgement and ability to drive safely. Not only can you cause injury or death to others, being caught drink or drug driving can also have other consequences such as a criminal record, a heavy fine, losing your job and licence and an increase in insurance premiums. It’s also worth remembering that it’s not just about planning your journey home, you may still be over the limit the following morning.

“Passengers should not accept lifts from drivers who they know have drunk alcohol or taken drugs. We also ask that you refrain from offering an alcoholic drink or drugs to someone you know is planning to drive.”

Anyone caught drink or drug-driving will be dealt with robustly – offenders face a minimum 12-month disqualification, up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to £5000. If a death is caused through dangerous driving while over the limit, a sentence of up to 14 years behind bars can result.

Teams will respond to tip-offs from members of the public who suspect someone of driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Officers will also act on any other intelligence to bring offenders to justice.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit through drink or drugs text 65999 or call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).

The campaign is being run jointly by Surrey Police and Sussex Police alongside Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, Drive Smart in Surrey and the independent charity Crimestoppers.