Norfolk Police say reducing drink- drug driving will require "long-term effort"
Over Christmas, officers breathalysed 345 drivers in Norfolk
The head of Norfolk's road policing teams is telling us they'll continue to keep the pressure up on those who drink and drug drive - but is warning we won't see a fall in numbers overnight.
It comes as it's revealed 26% of the 400 drivers who were tested for drink or drug driving in the county over the Christmas period gave back positive results to officers.
"This is not a game, you don't get a second chance"
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland is from the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team:
"Everyone knows that you could lose your license through this. While your insurance could go up and you could go to prison.
"There's the knock-ons from that as well, around your family and friends. If you killed somebody through this, it's you who has to live with the consequences of this.
"People need to understand that this is not a game, you don't get a second chance.
"The majority of those who are drug-driving are aged under 25. It's something that seems to be more socially acceptable. But if you're in the pub with your mates, they are the ones that will pressure you not to drive if you've had a drink."
The campaign's numbers:
The month-long initiative ran between Sunday 1 December 2024 until Wednesday 1 January 2025, to highlight the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink and drugs.
Officers breathalysed 345 drivers across Norfolk and conducted 55 drug wipes.
Of those tests:
-75 people were arrested having provided a positive breath test or refused to provide a sample
-29 people were arrested following a positive drug wipe
-Of all the people who failed a test, 80% were male (compared to 77% last year) and 23% were under the age of 25 (compared to 15% last year).
"There’s clearly much more work to be done to educate people"
Sarah Taylor, Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, said:
“Regular campaigns over the festive period are crucial in keeping our roads safe. There’s clearly much more work to be done to educate people.
"In the meantime, we must encourage family and friends in our communities to stop people they know from getting behind the wheel intoxicated.”
You can report drink and drug driving anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.