Crackdown starts on drink-driving

BEDS Police have begun their summer campaign to tackle drinking or taking drugs and driving.

As well as carrying out breath tests and, where relevant, field impairment tests on all drivers involved in any road collisions they attend, officers will also be on the lookout for any suspicious driving and will stop and check anyone suspected of committing a driving offence as part of their usual patrols.

Anyone found driving while under the influence of drink or drugs may face a minimum of a 12-month disqualification, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment.

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Road Policing Unit, said: “With the warmer weather comes barbecues, parties and days out in the sunshine, but it’s important this relaxed atmosphere does not extend to people’s attitudes towards drinking and driving.

“Last year we saw an increase in those arrested for driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs – anyone tempted to do so this year can rest assured they will be targeted by officers in the same way.

“Our message is drink or drug driving won’t be tolerated in Bedfordshire. If you want to enjoy a drink this summer, make sure you arrange a safe way to get home.

“Never be tempted to take the chance that you’re under the legal limit. Any amount of alcohol affects your reactions and not only could you lose your license, you could lose your job, your independence and you could seriously injure or kill yourself, someone close to you or somebody else’s loved one.”

If you know a drink driver, call Beds Police on 0845 33 00 222 and telling them where and when they drink. If you know someone has been drinking and is about to drive, always dial 999.

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