Police step up roadside checks to snare Christmas drink drivers

POLICE in Devon are launching their annual campaign to deter motorists from drinking and driving in South Devon over the festive period.

The clampdown will run throughout December in a bid to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on county roads.

Officers will be carrying out evening and early morning roadside checks to catch those who over-indulge with liquor this Christmas.

They will also continue to breathalyse all drivers involved in any kind of collision and any motorists whose driving may lead them to suspect they are under the influence of drink or drugs.

Insp Richard Pryce, of the roads policing unit, said: "We will not tolerate drink and drugs driving at any time of the year — but clearly we will focus our attention more during the party season.

"The message is simple — don't drink and drive.

"If anyone knows someone is drink driving, they should let us know as lives could be at stake."

He added: "The number of people who are killed through drink and drugs driving is too high and can be reduced.

"We urge people to think about how they are going to get home after they have been drinking and make suitable arrangements before they go out.

"We would also like people to think about the morning after.

"Many people get up early and drive the morning after they have been drinking.

"If you drink until the early hours, you are likely to be over the limit when you get up in the morning.

"Think carefully about your plans for the next day and either delay driving, stop drinking earlier or do not drink as much."

He said it was vital police get the message across that drink or drugs driving will not be tolerated because it costs lives.

"We will be making every possible effort to deter and detect those who drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

"We are in the business of trying to prevent death and serious injury on the roads.

"Motorists must take a more responsible approach and if they do not, the consequences are extremely serious," he said.

All roads policing officers in Devon and Cornwall are trained in roadside field impairment testing for drugs.

Anyone stopped driving who is suspected of being under the influence of drugs will be asked to undertake the test.

The campaign will be supported by posters, beer mats and stickers in bars, pubs and clubs and advertising on petrol pumps throughout Devon and Cornwall.

Those convicted of drink and drugs driving can expect to be banned for at least 12 months, receive a fine of up to £5,000 and six months in prison.

Collisions resulting in a fatality, where the driver is under the influence of alcohol, carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.