More than 70 arrests and 700 drivers tested in drink and drug driving crackdown

Staffordshire Police have arrested more than 70 suspected drink or drug drivers and carried out more than 700 roadside tests as part of their continued efforts to act against this type of crime in Staffordshire.

Officers from the road crime team (RCT) work on a 24/7 basis, 365-days-a-year to proactively target those putting themselves and others in danger on our roads.

Since the end of November, police have intensified their proactive efforts and have carried out 734 roadside tests on drivers, including 690 breath tests and 76 drug wipes.

As a result, 46 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving, while 30 have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, from the RCT, said: “Drink and drug driving can devastate lives forever. That’s why we’re so determined to act proactively in Staffordshire and to do everything in our power to stop these people from causing fatal or serious collisions on our roads.

“This isn’t exclusive to November or December, however. We’ve arrested more than 400 people this year on suspicion of drink or drug driving and have carried out more than 2,300 roadside tests.

“What we do typically see in the festive period, however, is more collisions where drink and drug driving is considered a contributing factor. It is one of the fatal four causes of fatal or serious collisions and is a crime that can cause devastation in seconds.

“We’re doing everything we can to stop it, but we also need your help.”

Challenging this behaviour when you see it is crucial in helping police to stop drink and drug driving in local communities. If you know someone who does it, or if you spot someone reaching for their keys after a few pints, speak to them.

Paying the taxi fare or spending an extra five minutes to arrange transport before going out could be the difference between someone’s life.

To see the harrowing realities that drink and drug driving can have, watch our video here: #WATCH Don’t drink and drive this Christmas | Op Limit

For more information on drink and drug driving and the law around it, visit our website here: Alcohol and drug driving | Staffordshire Police