West Midlands Police will be putting the brakes on drivers under the influence of drink and drugs during a summer crackdown.
Officers will be targeting motorists who put their own and others’ lives at risk through a dedicated month-long operation starting today (1 June).
A similar campaign last Christmas saw more than 250 people – around 20 per cent of those breathalysed – fail road-side tests or refuse to give a sample. A further 40 were positive for drugs which was a third of those tested.
The highest breath test recording was 167 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath – more than four times the legal alcohol limit – and traffic officers are warning of the risks of basking in the warm weather with alcohol and then getting behind the wheel.
The targeted approach involving officers from West Midlands Police and Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) will include roadside stop checks and unmarked patrols. Officers will act on intelligence to catch irresponsible drivers.
Sergeant Mark Bull, from West Midlands road policing, said: “There are big risks involved with drink or drug driving, not only are you risking killing or injuring yourself or others you also risk losing your licence and potentially your livelihood.
“Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and drivers found to be driving in excess of the limit will be put before the court.”
As part of the summer campaign the CMPG driving simulator will be based at a various locations throughout June allowing members of the public to see the effects of alcohol on driving.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson added: “People driving under the influence of drink or drugs are a menace on our roads, causing harm and misery.
“I am hugely supportive of West Midlands Police’s efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by drink driving. Drinking alcohol then getting behind the wheel is the most dangerous thing a driver can do. It’s a reckless and selfish act.
“Making our roads safer has always been one of my top priorities, from my time as Transport Minister to my current position as PCC, and I’ve seen first-hand the devastation drink and drug driving can have. Any campaign that makes potential over-the-limit drivers think twice has my full support. I know the overwhelming majority of law-abiding motorists back it too.
“I fully support West Midlands Police’s summer drink and drug driving crackdown.”
Anyone with information on a suspected drink or drug driver can call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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