SEVENTY people have been arrested during the first two weeks of a summer campaign against driving while unfit due to drink or drugs.
Cheshire police say the figures appear to indicate that drivers are failing to get the message.
A month-long campaign in June last year brought a total of 108 arrests.
Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson (pictured) said: “If the present trend continues we will obviously complete the month with a considerably higher figure than last year.
“It is very disappointing that drivers are not taking on board the idea that when they get behind the wheel after drinking they may kill or injure themselves and other people.
“They are also failing to grasp the fact that they may lose their licences, incur a criminal record, massively higher insurance costs and face heavy fines, or even a spell in prison.
“Summertime generally sees an increase in drink-driving. People take advantage of the better weather and longer hours of daylight to socialise and enjoy themselves. This often involves having a drink.
“There’s no harm in that but our message is clear: ‘If you have had a drink, make sure someone else does the driving’
“Even one drink affects your reactions generally and certainly impairs your ability to cope with an emergency. We are asking all motorists to think about how drinking and driving could affect their lives and those of innocent people.”
Young men are the main culprits of driving while over the legal limit. All the people who were deemed unfit to drive after a drugs test were also all male.
The number of people arrested for drug driving is already higher than the figure recorded for last year’s campaign. Police will continue to crack down on drink and drug influenced driving throughout the summer. From next month officers will also target additional alcohol-related issues such as under-age drinking and anti social behaviour.
Mr Thompsonadded: “Neither I, nor my officers want to be breaking the awful news that a driver impaired by drink or drugs has killed their loved one.”
People who are aware of persistent drink-drivers are urged to report them on the Cheshire Police Information line; 0845 458 0000 or on the Cheshire Police website http://www.cheshire.police.uk/
War on drink drivers
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
