FOR the second year running, Warrington proved to be the drink-driving “capital” of Cheshire in the run up to Christmas – although the number of arrests was down on last year.
A total of 31 drink drive arrests were made in the borough during December – a number matched only by Crewe.
Last year, there were 37 arrests in Warrington for drink driving – the highest total in the county with Macclesfield claiming the dubious honour of coming second with 29.
The figures have been released by Cheshire Police who staged a major anti-drink and drug driving campaign throughout December.
Throughout the month, a total of 156 people were arrested for drink driving, while another 111 were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. All of those arrested are now likely to face driving bans and large fines.
Warrington fared better on drug-driving. There were a total of 15 arrests in the borough, compared to 43 in Macclesfield and 18 in Crewe.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, from the Cheshire Roads policing unit said: “It’s astonishing to see how many people still believe that it is acceptable to driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards. All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
“All of those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on both their personal and professional lives.”
All roads policing officers across Cheshire are equipped with both alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, while behind the wheel.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “It’s pleasing to see the work that officers are undertaking to make Cheshire’s roads safer, not only tackling drunk drivers but also those under the influence of illegal drugs.
“The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating; they can cause a ripple effect that can have shattering ramifications for not only the driver of the vehicle, but innocent members of the public.
“I’m glad to see the positive stance being taken our police service and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure that this continues into the future.”
Inspector Griffiths added: “Although this operation has concluded, it is an issue that we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year. The message is clear, if you drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire, you will be caught.”
Overall, the number of drink drive arrests rose by five compared with 2015 while drug driving arrests rose from 87 to 111.
In Warrington, drink driving arrests fell from 37 to 31 but drug driving went up from 13 to 15.
1 Comment
When will people learn !! Drinking and drug driving KILLS !! Bloody idiots and I hope they all get banned from driving. Should be a ban for life though in my opinion and classed as attempted murder too with a custodial sentence !