Drink drivers targeted during World Cup

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be carrying out additional checks across the county in June and July in a bid to tackle the issue, helping to reduce the number of offenders, and the number of casualties, on Cheshire′s roads.

Roads Policing Inspector Richard Hill said: “During the World Cup we will have extra officers on patrol across the county, and as part of their duties they will be looking out for anyone who they suspect drinking and driving. We′re advising fans who are planning to go out and have a drink whilst they watch the match to look at walking, taking a taxi or nominating a designated driver amongst their friends.”

Anyone who is caught drink driving faces losing their licence, a large fine and going to court. This could have a big impact upon their life and may affect their employment.

Inspector Hill said “Whilst we want people to enjoy themselves during the World Cup, we are urging both drivers and passengers to take responsibility for their own road safety by making the right choice – the safer choice.

“We are also keen to remind people to consider how long it actually takes for their bodies to remove the alcohol. This is particularly pertinent with some of the late matches in this year′s World Cup. Many people do not realise how long it actually takes for their body to process alcohol. If you drink the night before and drive the following day you might still be over the limit.”

Research from the road safety charity Brake has shown that more than half of young drivers and over a third of older drivers are risking their lives by driving first thing in the morning after drinking alcohol the night before.

Anyone who suspects that somebody is drinking and driving should call Cheshire Police on 101 or for further information go to http://www.cheshire.police.uk/.