Annual drink and drug driving summer campaign commences

With hopes high for a long hot summer this year, drivers are being reminded to enjoy the long evenings, but not to drink and drive. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is launching its annual month long crack down on drunk drivers on 1 June.

Police officers will be out in force during the campaign in a bid to crack down on those who think they can drink or take drugs and drive and get away with it.

ACPO lead on drink and drug driving Chief Constable Phil Gormley said:

“Every year forces successfully concentrate their resources on preventing and detecting drink and drug drivers across the UK.

“In 2009, 17% of people killed on our roads died in a collision involving a drink driver and nearly 12,000 were injured. This tragic and needless waste of human life is totally unacceptable and we will continue to use intelligence to target offenders, as well as carrying out volume testing at the roadside.

“We will carry out roadside checks at all times of the day and night and on all types of road. This means that if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is a good chance you will be stopped and tested.”

Last year just under 101,000 people were stopped and tested during the 30-day summer campaign with 5.6 percent testing positive or refusing a test.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said:

“Summer is a time for socialising and having fun and this year will be no exception. Our message is clear, have fun, drink if you want to, but don’t then get behind the wheel and drive. If you take that risk you will be caught.”

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"Drink and drug driving are serious offences and drivers should be in no doubt that if they are caught behind the wheel under the influence this summer they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

“We are taking forward measures to make it easier for the police to tackle drink and drug driving and protect law abiding road users including plans for drug testing kits to help detect drug drivers and tightening the law on drink driving.

“The number of drink driving deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979. But drink and drug driving still kills hundreds of people, that is why we want to help the police take tough action to tackle these reckless drivers.”

The results of this year's campaign will be published in mid-August.

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk