Figures published on Thursday, 1st August, reveal that across Cheshire 112 motorists were arrested as part of a month long operation, which ran from 1st June to tackle drink driving.
The summer campaign was heightened this year with 2017 blood alcohol tests carried out by the roadside, compared to 1926 in June 2012. Men under 30 continue to be the main offenders but with arrests down by 28% on June last year this shows a move in the right direction.
Assistant Chief Constable, Ruth Purdie said, "The outcome of the 2013 summer drink driving campaign shows the excellent work, and tenacity of our officers in keeping our roads safe. By stepping up enforcement measures, this has allowed us to take a hard line to drink and drug driving by identifying those motorists who are still not heeding our warnings."
There was 32 arrests during the month long campaign in Cheshire East, these included 4 in Wilmslow, 8 in Congleton, 9 in Crewe, 5 in Knutsford, 5 in Macclesfield and 1 in Nantwich.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said: "It's clear that whilst certain people across Cheshire have ignored the 'don't drink or drug drive message', I'm delighted to see that lots of people have taken heed and listened. This is shown in the number of drink drive arrests being down in the county. One of my aims is to make Cheshire's roads safer by reducing road traffic collisions, fatalities and serious injuries that still occur on our roads. I'm heartened by the fact that this message is hitting home."
Drivers were also tested for being under the influence of drugs. Across Cheshire, 18 drug driving (or field impairment) tests were carried out and 7 arrests made.
Dave Murray, Road Safety Officer said in relation to this, "many young people I speak to genuinely believe that certain drugs - mainly cannabis and stimulants make you a safer driver; this is a myth. The reality is that taking drugs and attempting to drive carries serious consequences. Drugs, like alcohol, have the capacity to distort your perception of things in all kinds of ways. One thing is certain, they definitely do not enhance your ability to carry out the complex task of driving, and they only make it more difficult and dangerous."
