Police launch June crackdown on drink drivers

By Michelle Perrett

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Constable Association of chief police officers

Police launch June crackdown on drink drivers
Police across the country have launched a month-long summer crackdown on people driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Police will be...

Police across the country have launched a month-long summer crackdown on people driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Police will be carrying out roadside checks at all times of the day and night this month (June).

The Association of Chief Police Officers 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.

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."

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