A CRACKDOWN on motorists driving under the influence of drink and drugs has been launched by Dorset Police.

Officers will increase traffic patrols and roadside checks during the whole of June and will publish details of every person charged with drink or drug-driving.

Every driver involved in a collision throughout June will be breath tested irrespective of whether they are suspect of drink-driving.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “This summer will be the first campaign with new drug-testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine as well as standard kits for alcohol testing.

“This means we are better equipped than ever to detect those who risk taking drugs or drinking and getting behind the wheel.”

A series of new laws have been introduced this year to target motorists driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

On Monday, March 2, the drug-driving law in the United Kingdom changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers.

A total of 16 legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law; including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low so taking even a small amount could put drivers over the limit.

The test for this is a simple wipe which is carried by officers on the roadside or at the station.

New legislation introduced in April states that drink-drivers are no longer entitled to request a blood or urine sample when their specimen of breath is less than 51mg per 100ml.

This law is designed to close the loophole which previously allowed a person to potentially sober up while they waited for a blood or urine sample to be taken.

Anyone charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence during the campaign will have their name and court appearance details released to the media.

Custody images of those convicted could also be issued.

Throughout the campaign there will be an increase in traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Insp Butler added: “We all look forward to the summer months but there is simply no excuse to getting behind the wheel or on your bike when you have been drinking or taking drugs. Our officers will be out there targeting those people suspected of being under the influence.

“Combining illegal drugs with alcohol is especially deadly with research finding that drivers who have consumed both are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than sober drivers.

“Too many people have lost their lives because of such reckless actions.

It is just not worth the risk.”

If someone is caught drink driving they will face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Last year’s campaign, which also ran through July to include the World Cup, saw a total of 87 people aged between 18 and 67 charged with a drink or drug driving related offence.

Inspector Butler is urging people to call the police on 101, or 999 immediately, if they suspect someone is drunk or drug driving. Calls can also be made to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.