Drug drive arrest increase in Cheshire

Cheshire Police has reiterated its warning about the dangers of drink and drug driving following the conclusion of their summer drink and drug driving campaign.

Operation Roadster, which was part of a nationwide campaign, was launch at the start of June as part of the Constabulary’s efforts to combat drink and drug driving and reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions in Cheshire.

The results have indicated that the majority of drivers are listening to the warnings issued by police about the dangers of drink driving, with the force recording a slight decrease in the number of drink drive arrests. However, the force has seen an increase in the number of drug drive arrests which is being linked to the new roadside testing kits which were introduced in March 2015. 

Superintendent Bev Raistrick head of Cheshire Roads Policing Team said: “Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards. All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision whilst driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. 

“As well as the dangers, there are also serious consequences for anyone who is caught drink or drug driving, not only do they face losing their licence, but they also face a large fine, going to court and even the possibility of a prison sentence; all of which could have a big impact upon their life and may affect their employment.”

“We are committed to reducing the number of alcohol and drug related deaths on our roads, and my officers will use all of the tools available to them to help us achieve our goal. I also want to reassure residents that although this operation has concluded, it is an issue that we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

Anyone who suspects that somebody is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should call Cheshire Police on 101 or for further information go to www.cheshire.police.uk.