Christmas driving campaign

Force launches Christmas campaign to catch drink and drug drivers

City of London Police sent out a clear message to drivers today (Nov 30): “if you are driving under the influence of drink or drugs, we are likely to catch you.”

The statement marks the start of the force’s Christmas campaign to crackdown on drink and drug driving. It ties in with a national campaign that saw 183,397 drivers breath tested across the UK in December last year.

The campaign has been organised by RPU’s Sgt Bill Holder and PC Nina Houghton.
Sgt Bill Holder, from the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “This campaign has a very clear message: if you are driving in the City while under the influence of drink or drugs, we are likely to catch you. We have extra officers out on the streets, and it is a priority across the force throughout December to make sure that our streets are safe by stopping and breath-testing people.
“And make no mistake – you are just as likely to get caught while driving under the influence of drugs. Our officers are trained to spot people who are under the influence of drugs. Our dogs are trained to sniff out any trace of drugs. And our courts will hand out the same strict punishments to drivers under the influence of drugs as to those who have been drinking.”

Officers are also reminding drivers that it can be dangerous – and against the law – to drive the morning after a big night out. The force will be breath-testing drivers at times throughout the day, with early morning and late night drivers the main focus, and drivers do not need to have been involved in a collision to be stopped.

City of London Police’s Sgt Holder gave his festive driving tips:

• City of London Police will be breath-testing drivers throughout the day: a few drinks at lunchtime can put you over the limit.
• Similarly, don’t assume you will be below the limit the morning after a big night out. Alcohol stays in your body longer than you think – head to www.drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
• If you’re going on a night out, plan how you’re getting home: if you are going to be drinking, look at public transport timetables or book a licensed taxi.
• If you agree to have a designated driver, make sure they only drink soft drinks.
• Drug driving is as dangerous as drink driving. Cannabis can make drivers struggle to tell how close other vehicles are, for instance, while cocaine can make drivers overly confident and more likely to take risks.