PCC backs summer drug drive campaign

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has welcomed a campaign to make Wiltshire's roads safer by focussing on preventing drug driving.

Six arrests were made in the first week of the campaign which started on August 15 and continues until the August 29 where Roads Policing and Community Policing Team officers will continue with increased patrols throughout the county and actively stop drivers who they think could be driving under the influence of drugs.

The PCC said:

“I find it impossible to understand what makes anyone think they’re capable of driving a car when they’re under the influence of drugs. As well as putting themselves at risk, they’re putting the lives of their passengers and the wider public in total jeopardy.”

“National figures show that drug driving is increasing and that since 2014, the number of drivers who’ve died behind the wheel with drugs in their system has increased by 60%.”

“Our Road Policing Unit works hard to make sure these people are apprehended but I want anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drugs to think about what they’re doing before they’re either taken off the road in the back of a police car or worse still, an ambulance.”

“Cracking down on this type of behaviour will save lives and make Wiltshire safer.”

A conviction for drug driving can have a massive impact on your life and future. A 12-month driving ban, a large fine, a criminal record, and serious implications for insurance premiums once you can drive again. 

Sgt Will Ayres from the Road Policing Unit said:

“People who gets behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs, pose a huge risk to themselves and others.

“Drug driving is a serious offence. It impairs judgement, decision making and slows your reaction time. Both drugs and alcohol stay in your system for a number of hours, so it’s not just the immediate time you need to consider but hours later or even the next morning when you can still be over the limit.

“As a Roads Policing officer, I’ve seen first-hand the affects drug driving can have. We need to stop these people from getting behind the wheel, but we can’t do this alone. If you know of someone who drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol please report them and help us stop them causing harm to others. No matter if it’s a one off or a regular occurrence there is just no excuse

“This week we are continuing to target drivers we suspect are under the influence of drugs so we can remove them from our roads.”

Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink/drug driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option 2 for the Drink Drive hotline or report online at www.wiltshire.police.uk

In an emergency always dial 999. You can also report a crime completely anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555111 https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Published Friday 26 August