Force launches Summer Drink and Drug Drive Campaign
Posted on May 30, 2008, 11:27 am
Leicestershire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit wants YOUR help to identify and catch drink and drug drivers this summer.
As part of the Force's annual Summer Drink and Drug Driving Campaign, which launches on Sunday June 1, members of the public are being urged to call the police to pass on information about anyone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Calls can be made to Leicestershire Constabulary's non-emergency number 0116 222 2222, or in an emergency, when lives are at risk, to 999.
However, this summer the Road Policing Unit is also launching its own dedicated answering machine on which members of the public can leave information, anonymously if they wish, about persistent drink or drug drivers. The number is 0116 248 2017. This will not result in an immediate police response, but it will help officers to build up intelligence on persistent offenders so that targeted operations can be planned to catch them.
Inspector Vivienne Brenchley, commander of the Road Policing Unit, said: "This year we want to encourage members of the public to report drink and drug drivers by increasing the ways in which they can contact us.
"Obviously if you spot a suspected drink or drug driver on the road then call Leicestershire Constabulary as normal on 0116 222 2222 or in an emergency on 999, so that officers in the area can be alerted.
"The new answer machine service is aimed at those people in the community who know someone who regularly gets behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol and want to tip off the police about it before someone is hurt or even killed. Maybe it's a neighbour or perhaps a regular in your local pub who always drives home on a Friday or Saturday night or Sunday lunchtime after drinking too much.
"We would urge you to call the Road Policing Unit direct on 0116 248 2017, leave a message and include as much information as you can, such as the person's name, what car they drive, where they live and where and when they could be caught drink driving. My officers can then carry out a planned operation to target this person. You do not need to give your own details and any information you provide will be treated confidentially."
Almost 600 people were killed in the UK in 2007 as a result of alcohol-related collisions. During Leicestershire Constabulary's 2007 Summer Drink and Drug Driving Campaign, a total of 139 motorists were caught over the limit. Forty per cent of those - a total of 56 drivers - were under the age of 25.
This year's summer crackdown runs from Sunday June 1 to Monday June 30. During that four week period officers will be stopping and breathalysing any motorist they believe may be driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
John Budulis, road safety officer for Leicestershire Constabulary, said: "Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. The effects can include slower reactions, poorer judgement of speed and distance and a reduced field of vision. Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road-users including yourself.
"Is that quick drink at lunch, the couple of pints in the beer garden after work or the glasses of wine at a barbecue really worth the devastation that can result from drinking and driving? A drink or drug drive conviction could also cost you your licence, your job and your freedom, as well as a fine of up to £5,000."
Leicestershire Constabulary is reminding motorists of the consequences of being caught drink or drug driving:
- You WILL be arrested, taken to a police station and charged.
- You WILL receive a conviction and a criminal record
- You WILL receive a minimum 12-month driving ban and the endorsement will stay on your licence for 11 years.
- You COULD be fined up to £5,000
- You COULD go to prison for up to six months
- You COULD lose your job or miss out on future jobs
- You WILL have higher insurance costs
- You WILL have to explain yourself to family, friends and your partner
Issued on 30/05/08 at 10:38
This is an article that originally appeared on www.inLeicestershire.com
Add to bookmarks: Google Facebook del.icio.us digg.com yahoo
Back to Loughborough News home page
