There is plenty to celebrate this summer with events to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, the Olympics and maybe even a win for England at the Euro 2012 tournament, but if you’re going to be drinking – don’t drive. 

This is the message that Wiltshire Police are actively supporting for this year’s summer drink and drug drive campaign which is running throughout June in the UK.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) summer drink and drug drive campaign launches nationally today (Friday 1 June) and will run throughout the month.

Wiltshire Police will be stepping up roadside enforcement in a determined effort to catch those drivers who ignore the warnings.

All Wiltshire officers will have a role to play during the month, although the greatest input will come from the Roads Policing Unit who will be conducting high profile roadside checks. Their activities will be reinforced by officers from the Armed Response Group and the Dog Section.

Despite repeated messages, drink-related road deaths are, nationally, still far too high. With the summer weather, street parties, barbecues, festivals and football games, more people will be out and about enjoying a drink or two. The temptation may be to enjoy a drink or two before getting into a car. The message is that whilst having fun with friends and family, don’t put them at risk.

Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs will seriously impair the driver’s ability and can have serious consequences. The driver will potentially risk peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.

During Euro 2012 officers will also be taking out a crashed car after a drink drive fatal crash to various towns around Wiltshire in order to raise awareness and stop people from drink driving.

In 2010 in Wiltshire, police administered a total number of 3367 breath tests during June, of which 93 were positive or where the person failed to provide. If a person fails to take the breath test they will be arrested and taken to a police station where a blood test will be administered.

Last year, 2011, police administered a total 3740 breath tests in June of which 94 were positive or where a person failed to provide.

Inspector Steve Cox, Head of Roads Policing, said:

The message from us every year is perfectly clear.  If you take a chance on drink driving, you will be caught.  This June there will be more parties and celebrations than ever, where people may foolishly be tempted to take a risk that could end in serious consequences. This summer, with involvement and support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

This year Wiltshire Police are encouraging the public to again use the Drink-Drive Hotline number to report the crime. The public can report a drink-driver by calling 101 and selecting option four. 

There is plenty to celebrate this summer with events to mark the Queen’s Jubilee, the Olympics and maybe even a win for England at the Euro 2012 tournament, but if you’re going to be drinking – don’t drive. 

This is the message that Wiltshire Police are actively supporting for this year’s summer drink and drug drive campaign which is running throughout June in the UK.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) summer drink and drug drive campaign launches nationally today (Friday 1 June) and will run throughout the month.

Wiltshire Police will be stepping up roadside enforcement in a determined effort to catch those drivers who ignore the warnings.

All Wiltshire officers will have a role to play during the month, although the greatest input will come from the Roads Policing Unit who will be conducting high profile roadside checks. Their activities will be reinforced by officers from the Armed Response Group and the Dog Section.

Despite repeated messages, drink-related road deaths are, nationally, still far too high. With the summer weather, street parties, barbecues, festivals and football games, more people will be out and about enjoying a drink or two. The temptation may be to enjoy a drink or two before getting into a car. The message is that whilst having fun with friends and family, don’t put them at risk.

Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs will seriously impair the driver’s ability and can have serious consequences. The driver will potentially risk peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.

During Euro 2012 officers will also be taking out a crashed car after a drink drive fatal crash to various towns around Wiltshire in order to raise awareness and stop people from drink driving.

In 2010 in Wiltshire, police administered a total number of 3367 breath tests during June, of which 93 were positive or where the person failed to provide. If a person fails to take the breath test they will be arrested and taken to a police station where a blood test will be administered.

Last year, 2011, police administered a total 3740 breath tests in June of which 94 were positive or where a person failed to provide.

Inspector Steve Cox, Head of Roads Policing, said:

The message from us every year is perfectly clear.  If you take a chance on drink driving, you will be caught.  This June there will be more parties and celebrations than ever, where people may foolishly be tempted to take a risk that could end in serious consequences. This summer, with involvement and support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

This year Wiltshire Police are encouraging the public to again use the Drink-Drive Hotline number to report the crime. The public can report a drink-driver by calling 101 and selecting option four.