Annual drinkORdrive campaign sees 67 arrests so far

Officers have been patrolling the county, stopping vehicles and speaking to a number of drivers, as they look to reduce the amount of drink and drug drivers on the roads over the festive period.

Since the start of the World Cup last month, the Roads Policing Unit have arrested 46 people for drink driving and 21 for drug driving in Staffordshire*.

This proactive work supports the forces annual drinkORdrive campaign, which launched in November, and aims to highlight the ways in which people can avoid drink driving during the party season by planning ahead.

There are dedicated resources on patrol around the clock carrying out random roadside checks in hotspot areas on drivers they suspect may be driving under the influence of drinks or drugs.

They will continue to pay particular attention in the evenings and then early in the morning, to target those who are risking driving the morning after drinking the night before.

People may think that one or two drinks don’t matter but even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely so the best advice is to make alternative travel arrangements or avoid alcohol completely if you are driving.

Alcohol makes people’s reactions slower and makes processing information more difficult so when driving this can impact on decision making and reactions times, which puts drivers, passengers and other road users at risk.

The drinkORdrive message will be reinforced with advertisements on digital road signs and promotion at local establishments who are also supporting the campaign.

On Friday (16 December) officers from Lichfield Local Policing Team, will be joined by colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Lichfield District Council Community Safety Partnership, for a road traffic collision demonstration to highlight the dangers of drink driving. The event will begin at 5.45pm and take place on the Market Square.

They will also be promoting the ‘designated driver wristband scheme’ which was recently launched by PubWatch as part of the Lichfield Business Improvement District (BID), which entitles designated drivers to free soft drinks in participating venues in the city.

Inspector Mark Joynson, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This Christmas we are asking people to plan ahead before going out remember the impact alcohol can still have the morning after.

“Please think about how you're going to get home in advance and if you are going to drink alcohol then make plans to book a taxi or use public transport. You could also nominate a designated driver.

“Drink driving is never ok. Don’t let your mate, family member, or someone you know make the choice to drink drive. They are more likely to be involved in a crash and the consequences are serious; a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, a hefty fine and months in prison. It’s simply not worth the risk.”

Lichfield BID Chairman, Paul Maddox, added: “We want everyone who comes to Lichfield to enjoy the festivities in our great licensed venues to have a fantastic time and be safe.

“As part of the ‘I’ll Be Des’ campaign, Lichfield BID has funded free soft drinks for designated drivers until New Year’s Eve. Simply pick up a wristband from any participating venue and show it at the bar.

“We hope everyone has a brilliant Christmas. Please keep yourself, your family, and others safe. ”

If you know someone who drink or drug drives you can report them online or by calling 101. Alternatively if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If there is an immediate risk to the public always call 999.

*Until Friday 9 December.