Suffolk purge on drink drivers

Drink-drivers will be not tolerated as summer approaches, Suffolk Police have warned as they begin a crackdown.

A month-long drink and drug drive enforcement campaign starts today during which officers will breath-test anyone involved in a collision, however minor.

They will also step up roadside checks in a bid to cut statistics that show that alcohol or drugs were identified as a contributing factor in five of the 29 fatal road traffic collisions in Suffolk in 2008.

Chief Insp Mike Bacon said that this latest figure, released by Suffolk Constabulary, shows that drivers are continuing to break the law, sometimes with fatal consequences.

'If you drink drive or take drugs and drive, you are more likely to get caught than ever before,' he said. 'Suffolk Constabulary is committed to tackling this issue and we are warning those who break the law in this way, that they will be caught.

'The police are well aware of the various means used by drink and drug drivers to avoid detection. We are taking steps to make the roads safer by making sure that those who drink or drug drive are arrested and face the consequences of their actions.

'By drinking or taking drugs and driving you could lose your licence, your livelihood and ruin your life. Your actions can also ruin the lives of others, by causing serious injury or even killing an innocent road user or pedestrian.'

Chief Insp Bacon added: 'Be sensible, be safe, and arrange a lift home, or appoint a designated driver. If you are going out on a night out, remember to book a cab, choose a nominated driver or, if you are at a friend's house, stay over for the night.'

He also appealed for members of the public to shop drink or drug drivers, saying they are a danger and must be stopped.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink or drug driving should call the police immediately on 01473 613500.