Start of seasonal drink drive blitz

STAY safe – stay sober, this year s anti-drink and drug driving campaign was launched by Cambridgeshire Constabulary on Friday. The month-long campaign, which runs until New Year s Day, includes stop checks across the county to breath test drivers and ca

STAY safe - stay sober, this year's anti-drink and drug driving campaign was launched by Cambridgeshire Constabulary on Friday.

The month-long campaign, which runs until New Year's Day, includes stop checks across the county to breath test

drivers and carry out field impairment tests to see whether drivers are under the influence of drugs.

Pc Mick McCready, the constabulary's casualty reduction officer, said: "Drink and drug driving enforcement is a vital tool in the reduction of fatal and injury collisions.

"Our message is clear. If you drive under the influence of drink or drugs, expect to be caught and brought to justice."

The maximum penalty for drink driving is a six-month prison sentence, £5,000 fine and a driving ban of up to a year.

Last year, the number of people caught driving under the influence of drink and drugs in the county increased by 32 per cent, with 197 arrested.

Pc McCready added: "It was disappointing to see last year's figures increase and it demonstrates that there are still a number of drivers who think it is acceptable to drive under the influence.

"Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to reducing the number of drink drivers and we will do all we can to ensure that those over the limit or under the influence of drugs are caught and dealt with appropriately.

"Drink and drug drivers are not only putting their lives at risk but also the lives of others.