THE national summer drink drive campaign launches today – and police in Warrington will be supporting it with a series of anti-drink and drug driving initiatives to both raise public awareness and provide locally driven enforcement activity.
The intelligence led operation, which will be driven by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will focus on drivers aged under 30, but also daytime drinkers who may drive to “alcohol fuelled” events and take the risk of driving home.
Although drink driving enforcement is an all year around activity for Warrington police, road safety messages will be delivered through targeted enforcements involving roadside breath tests and field impairment tests.
ACPO’s enforcement campaign will target well-intentioned drivers who do not think they are breaking the law but who may be over the legal limit by the time they get into their cars to drive home. Those found to be over the limit will face prosecution, which can lead to a jail sentence.
Sergeant Rachel Gallagher of Cheshire Roads Policing Investigation Unit said: “The message is clear – don’t drink and drive – if you have only had two large glasses of wine, that’s well over a third of the bottle so even if you may think you are OK to drive, do not take the risk.
“If you are thinking of attending a family or organised barbecue over the summer period, arrange for alternative transport to the venue or have someone drive, who will be staying on soft drinks.”
Sgt Gallagher said: “We are also asking for peer group pressure to be exerted on drink and drug driving over the summer period and not to get in a car as a passenger if you think that the driver has been drinking!”
Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie at Cheshire Police said: “We ask the public to enjoy themselves during the summer period, but to act responsibly around alcohol, and not to drink and drive.
“In 2011, we made more than 1800 arrests for drinking and driving. 40 per cent of the people involved were aged under 30.
“Some drivers felt having a few drinks was all right because they were only travelling a short distance. If you are behind the wheel and have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and everyone else, whatever length your journey may be.”
THE national summer drink drive campaign launches today – and police in
Warrington will be supporting it with a series of anti-drink and drug
driving initiatives to both raise public awareness and provide locally
driven enforcement activity.
Drink drive campaign launches
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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.
