Police target drug and drink-driving

SUFFOLK police will be stepping up roadside checks as part of a month-long Christmas campaign against drink and drug-driving.The crackdown, which is in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers' national campaign, follows the Brake Road Safety Week in November which was themed 'Not a drop, not a drag'.

SUFFOLK police will be stepping up roadside checks as part of a month-long Christmas campaign against drink and drug-driving.

The crackdown, which is in support of the Association of Chief Police Officers' national campaign, follows the Brake Road Safety Week in November which was themed 'Not a drop, not a drag'.

In 2008, about 17pc of fatal road collisions in Suffolk involved drink and drug-driving.

As part of the campaign, officers will breath-test anyone involved in a collision, however minor, and are urging people to prevent others from putting lives at risk by mixing drinking or drugs with driving.

Chief Insp Mike Bacon said: “Drink- driving can have tragic consequences and I would strongly urge people not to do it. By doing so they may ruin their own lives as well as the lives of others - it really isn't worth the risk.

“Last December we saw an increase in the number of people we caught drink-driving. This should act as a warning: if you drink and drive you will be arrested and prosecuted. Instead of spending a night in the cells, take the sensible option and leave your car at home - get a taxi or ask a designated driver for a lift.”

Police will also continue to target speeding, the use of mobile phones while driving and people not wearing seatbelts.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink-driving should report them immediately to police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.