Drink and drug driving – can you help keep our roads safe?

77 drivers have been arrested to date as part of Essex Police’s 2015 summer drink and drug drive campaign which is running throughout June.

As always, Essex Police officers are cracking down on drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but this year the force is asking residents to do their bit to help reduce collisions and casualties on the roads of Essex.

73 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit or refusing or failing to provide a breath test, while four have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

As well as breath tests, officers are using new drug testing kits to detect illegal drugs including cannabis and cocaine following the introduction of new legislation in March this year.

The new rules run alongside an existing law under which it is an offence to drive when impaired by any drug. The new regulations set low levels for eight illegal drugs and much higher ones for prescription drugs. Drivers using prescription drugs within recommended doses will not be penalised.

Adam Pipe, Essex Police casualty reduction manager, said: “This summer will be the first campaign with new drug-testing kits to detect cannabis and cocaine as well as breathalysers to measure alcohol levels.

“We are better equipped than ever and officers will continue to crack down on irresponsible drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence, but we need the public’s help.

“We’re asking residents to take some responsibility for the safety of their community and tell us about people who put the lives of innocent road users at risk by driving drunk or high on drugs.”

24 June 2015