Dorset Police announce the results of their drink and drug driving crackdown

Their campaign ran between Tuesday December 1, 2015, and Friday January 1, 2016, and saw police officers in Dorset breathalysing 869 drivers.

Although tests were performed on 217 fewer motorists than during the same period in 2014, they resulted in 105 arrests, a 16 per cent rise.

Dorset Police have announced that 44 people have been charged as a result of the campaign – 33 men and 11 women.

Over the same campaign period last year, only 35 people were charged.

Inspector Matt Butler, of the Devon & Cornwall and Dorset Alliance Road Policing Team, said: “It is disappointing that despite the obvious risks, a number of motorists decided to drive after taking drugs or drinking.

“New technology is allowing us to test motorists for the presence of drugs and 20 drivers were arrested as a result of positive drug tests.

“We know that alcohol is a factor in around 25 per cent of deaths on our roads and we will continue to target motorists who put other road users at risk throughout the year and appeal to the public to help us.”

Officers tested all drivers involved in a collision, those who were stopped after committing a moving traffic offence and anyone who they suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – though they are not permitted to carry our random breath testing.

One of the crackdown’s tactics was to release names and court appearance details of anyone charged with drink or drug driving-related offences to the media.

Many of these have been published in The Dorset Echo.

Drivers caught behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol face a minimum of a 12 month ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5000.

Inspector Butler said: “If you think someone is about to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, then call us on 999 immediately so police can intercept or call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 with non-urgent information.”