Warwickshire Police continue to target and arrest drink & drug drivers

During the first three weeks of Op Limit, the NPCC anti drink and drug driving operation, Warwickshire Police has arrested 62 people across the county on suspicion of drink or drug related driving offences. 

In just the last week, police have stopped 122 drivers and completed 107 breath tests, and 5 drug wipes where there is a suspicion a driver may be under the influence of drugs such as cannabis or cocaine.

A national survey in November 2022 found that 81% of Brits say drink drivers should be reported to the police but less than half would actually do it in practice.  Officers are asking drivers to consider whether it is worth the risk of drinking and driving if you know that someone may call the police to report you?  You could face a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and even a prison sentence. There’s also the personal impact of having a criminal record and possibly losing your job. Most importantly you could kill or seriously injury yourself or someone else.

Sergeant Shaun Bridle said “Ensuring the roads are as safe as possible for the vast majority of law abiding citizens is a priority for us.  Drink and drug driving is not acceptable, and we will continue to stop and test as many drivers as possible over the festive period including all drivers that are involved in a collision.  The public can also report suspected drink and drug drivers to us on 101.  In an emergency please call 999. “

Recent arrests include:- 

• A 43 year old woman from Stratford upon Avon was arrested at 18.47hours on 8 December on suspicion of drink driving after police were called to a two vehicle collision in Trinity Way, Stratford upon Avon. The driver of one of the vehicles, a black VW failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.  She stayed in a police cell overnight and after being charged was released at 13.06hours the next day.  She is due to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on 9 January 2023.

• A 34 year old woman from Sapcote, Leicester was arrested at 02.49hours on 10 December after her car had been involved in a single vehicle collision on the A5 towards Nuneaton. She failed a road side breath test and during her 12 hour stay in a police cell was charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 13 January 2023.

• A 34 year old man from Rugby was arrested at 05.34hours on 10 December 2022 on suspicion of drink driving after his car collided with a lamppost on the A45 Rugby towards Coventry. He failed a roadside breath test and after 10 hours in custody was charged with drink driving to appear before Coventry Magistrates on 9 January 2023.

• A 36 year old man from Nuneaton was arrested at 00.25hours on 11 December on suspicion of drink driving when officers stopped his BMW in Church Street, Nuneaton and he failed a roadside breath test. In the morning he was charged to appear before Coventry Magistrates on 9 January 2023.

• A 44 year old man from Long Lawford was arrested at 21.27hours on 10 December on suspicion of drink driving after officers observed his manner of driving and stopped his silver Mercedes. He failed a roadside breath test and after spending the night in a police cell, was charged with drink driving and driving without a licence.  He is due to appear before Coventry Magistrates on 9 January 2023.

• A 17 year old boy from Corley, Coventry was arrested at 23.19hours on 10 December after officers observed his manner of driving and stopped his Ford Focus in Seeswood Close, Nuneaton. He failed a roadside breath test and after spending the night in a police cell was charged with drink driving.  He is due to appear at Coventry Youth Court on 22 December 2022.

• A 43 year old woman from Stratford upon Avon was arrested at 02.24hours on 11 December in Station Road, Long Marston on suspicion of drink driving after a member of the public called police to report a two vehicle collision. She failed a roadside breath test and was held in custody for 12 hours.  She was charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 3 February 2023.

• A 49 year old man from Leamington was arrested at 13.11hours on 6 December on suspicion of drink driving after a concerned member of the public called the police. He was arrested at his home address and charged that evening to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on 9 January 2023.

• A 27 year old woman from Kingswinford was arrested at 05.36hours on 9 December at J3 of the M40 on suspicion of drink driving. She was later charged with drink driving, driving without insurance and without a driving licence and is due to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on 9 January 2023.

• A 26 year old man from Leamington was arrested at 00.32hours on 12 December in Heathcote Road, Leamington on suspicion of drug driving when officers stopped his car and he failed a roadside drug test. He has been released pending further tests.

• An 18 year old man from Queensferry, Deeside was arrested at 23.57hours on 5 December on suspicion of drink driving in Nuneaton Road, Hartshill after his manner of driving caught the attention of officers. Before he was released over 13 hours later, he was charged with drink driving and driving without a licence and is due to appear at Coventry Magistrates Court on 9 January 2023.

• A 39 year old man from Bedworth was arrested at 23.58hours on 9 December on suspicion of drink driving. Due to his manner of driving, officers stopped his Vauxhall Corsa and he failed a roadside breath test.  He was later charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 6 January 2023.

• A 39 year old man from Rugby was arrested at 03.37hours on 10 December on the A4600 in Coventry on suspicion of drink driving, failing to stop, dangerous driving, obstructing a police officer and assault (GBH). He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

• A 66 year old man from Tunbridge Wells was arrested at 11.35hours on 12 December on suspicion of drug driving after officers stopped his Nissan GTR at J11 of the M40. He has been released on police bail until officers receive the results of further tests.