Fourteen arrests during first week of summer drink drive campaign (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fourteen arrests during first week of summer drink drive campaign

1:40pm Monday 8th June 2009 in News

Police in Gloucestershire have arrested 14 people during the first week of the annual Summer Drink Drive Campaign.

The campaign started on June 1 and officers have been carrying out increased traffic patrols and road side checks on drivers, as well as targeting repeat offenders and drivers reported by the public.

Breath tests are also being carried out on every driver involved in a collision, regardless of whether or not they are suspected of drink driving.

Those arrested during the first week of the campaign include: A 17-year-old male believed to have been driving a car which collided with a house in Mitcheldean in the early hours of Saturday June 6. He will appear at Gloucester Youth Court on June 18 charged with drink driving.

A 43-year-old man from Moreton-in-Marsh arrested while driving on the A40, shortly after 5am on June 6. He will appear at Cheltenham Magistrates Court on June 19 charged with drink driving.

A 39-year-old Dursley man arrested while driving in Kingshill Road, Dursley, at 11.30pm on June 6. He will appear at Stroud Magistrates Court on June 17 charged with drink driving.

A 66-year-old Gloucester man arrested while driving in Upton Street, Gloucester, at shortly after 1am on June 7. He will appear at Gloucester Magistrates Court on June 23 charged with drink driving and other motoring offences.

A 22-year-old Gloucester man arrested while driving in Hucclecote Road, Gloucester, at 2.30am on June 7. He will appear at Gloucester Magistrates Court on June 17 charged with drink driving and other motoring offences.

A 39-year-old man from Stroud, arrested while driving in Cainscross Road, Stroud, at around 4am on June 7. He will appear at Stroud Magistrates Court on June 17 charged with drink driving.

The others arrested include three women, and arrests were also made in Cheltenham, Cirencester and Tewkesbury.

Four of those arrested are on police bail while a further four people failed roadside breath tests but were then under the drink drive limit when they were tested within police custody.

Inspector David Collicott, Road Safety and Traffic Management Inspector for Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “The consequences of being caught drink driving can be severe, as each of the drivers we have charged with drink driving during the first week of the campaign will soon find out.

“They are all facing a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

“There may also be further financial or social consequences, such as losing their job or relationship.

“We would advise anyone planning on driving not to drink any alcohol at all, as research shows that even one drink can impair your driving – motorists just shouldn’t take the risk.

“If you are going out for a drink this summer then plan ahead to make sure you can get home safely and without having to drive yourself. Take simple steps such as booking a taxi, having a designated driver in your group of friends or arranging overnight accommodation.

“I’d also urge the public not to get into a vehicle if you think the driver has been drinking.”

Inspector Collicott added: “We would rather prevent a problem arising so ask the public to let us know of people who they suspect are driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Use the 0845 090 1234 or Crimestopper 0800 111555 lines, or if they are actually driving by dialling 999, so that officers can intercept the vehicle.”

Members of the public can also call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 or the Gloucestershire Constabulary non emergency line on 0845 090 1234.

The drink drive campaign runs until June 30.