FOLLOWING on from a very successful crackdown on drug drivers during the festive period, Police are continuing to tackle drivers who take drugs and drive.
During the month of December 252 people were arrested for drink and drug driving across the county – with 91 of these arrests, including 13 in Warrington, were drug driving related.
Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick said, “It’s astonishing to see how many people still take drugs and drive. Our roads policing teams have been working hard, not only to detect those driving under the influence of drugs, but arresting them and gaining prosecutions. This determination demonstrates that our officers are here for you, by taking dangerous drivers off our roads.”
Roads policing officers across Cheshire have been given drugs wipes that can detect whether a driver is under the influence of illegal drugs, whilst behind the wheel.
Mike Jones, a Roads Policing Liaison Officer said, “Since the introduction of new legislation in March last year aimed specifically at drug driving the number of those drivers detected in Cheshire has continued to rise each month culminating in the December figure which is the highest monthly total so far. The change in the law together with the introduction of drug wipes used by officers at the roadside is showing the real extent of the problem of drug driving on our roads which is rapidly catching up on the numbers of those who are detected drink driving.
“Statistics show that whilst drink driving is very much associated with the late evening / early morning period and specifically at the weekend drug driving is evenly spread throughout the whole week with a significant number during the daytime period. Persons driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs not only put themselves at risk but also other road users.
“In Cheshire, as our results so far show, we are committed to make the roads safer 365 days of the year by actively targeting these irresponsible drivers and removing them from the road.”
John Dwyer
Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said, “It’s great to see Cheshire Constabulary taking a proactive approach, not only tackling drunk drivers but also those under the influence of illegal drugs.
“The consequences of drug driving, can cause a ripple effect that can have catastrophic and devastating ramifications for not only the driver of the vehicle, but innocent members of the public who are unfortunate enough to become involved in the incident. I’m glad to see the positive stance being taken by the Chief Constable and officers here in Cheshire and support them in the work they do.”
The message is clear. If you drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire, you will be caught.
