Officers concentrate on removing drink and drug drivers from the roads in the run up to Christmas and New Year

Officers are increasing their enforcement activity across Warwickshire in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year in order to catch drink and drug drivers and reduce the number of people killed or injured every year on our roads.

During Operation Limit, all drivers who are involved in a collision will also be asked to provide a roadside breath test and drug swipe.   This includes a 58 year old man from Wilmcote who was arrested at 14.38 hours on 1 December in Seven Meadows Road, Stratford upon Avon after police were called to a collision at the location.  On arrival the driver failed a roadside breath test and was taken into custody.  He was later charged with drink driving to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 19 January 2024.

A 33 year old man from Nuneaton was also arrested at 03.17hours on 2 December on the A444 at junction 3 of the M6 after his car was involved in a collision on the roundabout resulting in the car and nearby trees catching fire. He was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers also attended a minor single vehicle collision at 22.55hours on 1 December on the A444 near J3 of the M6 and a 55 year old man from Coventry, was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.  He was later charged with driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 19 January 2024.

As part of the enforcement activities, officers are encouraging the public and CCTV operators to report the details of suspected drink or drug drivers to them by calling 101 or in an emergency 999. Thanks to a call from an off duty Special Constable who suspected he was behind a drink driver due to the manner of driving, a 32 year old man from Uxbridge, Greater London was arrested at 04.23hours on 2 December on the B4100 Lighthorne Heath, Stratford upon Avon.  Officers located the vehicle and the driver failed a roadside breath test and was later charged with drink driving to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 19 January 2024.

As a further deterrent, Warwickshire Police will continue to publicise the details of all arrests and charges from 1 to 31 December 2023 as well as the results of relevant court cases.

During the operation, Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is asking the public to take responsibility for their own safety on the roads and that of other people including friends, family and wider public by not drink or drug driving.  The partnership will be sharing information on social media to encourage people to do just that.

The partnership will also be sharing a behavioural change campaign developed by Surrey Police and Sussex Police that challenges people not to be a bystander to drink driving.  The poster and beermat campaign calls on the public to help prevent drink driving from happening in the first place by persuading friends and family to not drive after drinking. 

During the operation, officers will also be referring suspected drink and drug drivers to support services in Warwickshire for help and support. If you are addicted to drink or drugs, you can also self-refer.

As well as illegal drugs, some prescription and over the counter drugs are illegal for driving.  Please check with your pharmacist, doctor or healthcare professional if you are unsure.

The list of illegal recreational drugs now includes Nitrous Oxide.

Sergeant Simon Dalby said “92% of people think drink driving is unacceptable and we would like to reassure them that as well as conducting high visibility patrols, Warwickshire Police will be looking to stop as many vehicles and speak to as many drivers as possible to catch those who offend.  Those who fail a roadside breath or drugs test will be taken into custody for further tests and where it can be proven will be charged and given the soonest possible court date.  Those who fail to provide a specimen for analysis will also be charged to court as this is an offence.  

“We will do whatever we can to help make our roads safer and will look at other offences such as no insurance to remove a suspected drink or drug driver’s vehicle.  During the operation, we will also be providing evidence of those suspected of drug driving to the DVLA who have the power to revoke driving licences. 

“The reason we take this so seriously is because according to the Dept for Transport, an estimated 260 people were killed in collisions involving a driver over the alcohol limit in 2021.

“Whilst the consequences for drink and drug driving are wide ranging for drivers the cost to families who lose loved ones is much greater. “

If you are going out drinking with your friends to a Christmas party or to a pub, please make sure you plan ahead and agree a nominated driver or pre book a taxi home.

You can follow the campaign on social media @WarksRoadSafety (Twitter) and WarwickshireRoadSafety (Facebook)

Notes for editors

Drugs and driving: the law - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Drink-driving penalties - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There are a range of local services for adults and young people affected by alcohol and/or drugs.

Change Grow Live (CGL) can support anyone aged 18+ with any concerns about their drug and/or alcohol use and have hubs in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. CGL offer personalised 1-1 care and group support.

For more information see: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire 

Or call 01926 353 513

Or email [email protected] 

You can refer yourself or refer someone else into the service at https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire/referrals 

Compass can support children and young people aged 5-25 with any substance misuse issues or concerns including drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping. Compass offer age appropriate information, 1:1 support and group work for any individual needing support with their own substance use, or who have been affected by another's drug and alcohol use.

For more information and online referral form see:

https://www.compass-uk.org/services/warwickshire-cypdas/ 

Or call: 01788 578 227

For more information see https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/alcohol