Surrey Police launch winter crackdown on drink and drug drivers

Motorists are being warned there are no excuses for drink or drug driving as Surrey Police launch their annual winter crackdown campaign today.

Increased drug tests, breath tests, stop checks, and patrols throughout December will all form part of Operation Limit, the nationwide campaign to tackle drink and drug driving throughout December.

The drug driving focus follows a rise in the number of offences detected across the country and will sit alongside our continued efforts to catch drink drivers. Last year saw 199 arrests for drink or drug driving in Surrey during December.

Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug driving one of the main causes of death or serious injuries on our roads. It also has serious consequences for those who are caught, such as losing their driving licence and potentially losing their job as a result.

The campaign runs from 1 December to 1 January and appeals to the public’s sense of shared responsibility to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, Head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.

“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.

“We will deal robustly with offenders. So, while our officers can’t be everywhere, they could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lisa Townsend, said: “Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they are committing themselves to a huge responsibility.

“They are not only responsible for themselves, but for their passengers and everyone else they encounter on their journey.

“That’s why it’s so appalling for motorists to drink or take drugs before driving. It’s a dangerous and selfish act that can forever change a life, and I cannot overstate how important it is to remain sober, patient, and attentive at the wheel.

“There is no excuse whatsoever for this behaviour, and it is never, ever worth the risk.”

The consequences of drink or drug driving include:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else
• A minimum 12-month ban
• An unlimited fine
• A possible prison sentence
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
• An increase in your car insurance costs
• Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The campaign is being supported by Surrey RoadSafe.