Between Monday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 30 Hampshire Constabulary will be taking part in the national summer campaign to target drink and drug drivers on our roads.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit will be conducting drink/drug operations throughout the day and night across both force areas.
Extra patrols will be carried out specifically to breath test and educate drivers. Intelligence-led operations to catch offenders will also be staged.
The aim for this years campaign is to carry out a Breath test and FIT test at every opportunity. Every driver involved in a collision will also be breathalysed as a matter of course.
As well as aiming to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured as a result of drink driving, we would also like to remind motorists that receiving a conviction for drink or drug driving could affect your employment and therefore have a significant impact on your life.
Sergeant Rob Heard, who is road safety lead for the constabulary, said: “It’s not worth the risk! Too many people are still taking the risk to drive whilst impaired, but we are dedicated to tackling this issue, these people not only put themselves at risk, but others who are often innocently going about their daily lives.”
“Extra patrols will be deployed to carry out a number of breath and drug tests. If you are caught driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs you could face a criminal conviction, possible prison term, driving ban, and could even lose your job.”
“People also need to remember that alcohol can stay in your system for some time. After just four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours, so whether you are drinking in the afternoon at a summer barbeque or drinking in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive the following day. Just because you haven’t had a drink for a few hours, it doesn’t mean all the alcohol has left your system and you can drive. You could still be over the limit.”
If you believe someone is driving whilst impaired, please act immediately. Phone the Police direct on 101, or text 80999 with all the details of the vehicle, driver, location and times. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.
Minicom users can dial 18001 101. In an emergency please always dial 999.
