Suffolk Police step up drug and drink drive enforcement over Christmas
They warn the consequences can be life-threatening.
Suffolk Police are stepping up roadside enforcement this Christmas as part of a national campaign highlighting the dangers and consequences of drug and drink driving.
The campaign places a renewed focus on drug driving following a sharp rise in fatalities where drugs were a contributing factor.
Between 2014 and 2023, there was a 70% increase in driver deaths involving drugs, with around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions being men, according to national figures.
What to expect during this campaign
Inspector Byron Hearsum, from Suffolk’s Joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said officers would be increasing patrols and roadside testing across the county throughout the festive period, and the rise in drug-related collisions had informed how policing resources would be deployed.
“More officers will be out conducting roadside drug tests and breath tests,” he said. “Everyone who is stopped for a moving traffic offence, involved in a collision, or where there are concerns about their manner of driving, will be breathalysed and drug wiped.”
Consequences of drink or drug driving
Inspector Hearsum said drug driving remained a serious concern due to the potentially devastating consequences.
“The concern is that there could be someone on the roads that’s impaired, and that can have a devastating effect, not only on families, but on the driver who makes that decision as well,” he said.
“They could end up dead or with serious injuries that are life-changing.”
He also warned that the long-term consequences of a conviction can extend far beyond the immediate penalty.
“If convicted, it’s a minimum of a 12-month ban,” he said. “You’ll have to declare that to insurance companies forevermore. Some insurance companies won’t insure someone who’s been convicted of a drink or drug driving offence.”
He added that losing a driving licence could affect employment, travel, and daily life.
“All of that can be impacted by one choice of not using a taxi, public transport, staying over, or having a designated driver,” he said.
Increase officers
Officers will also be responding to intelligence and reports from the public during the campaign.
“They’ll be reacting to intelligence-led information and reports from members of the public who have concerns about someone’s manner of driving,” Inspector Hearsum said. “There will be a number of officers deployed day and night to enforce drink and drug driving.”
Suffolk Police are supporting the national THINK! campaign, which warns that drugs can remain in a person’s system for longer than expected, meaning drivers may still fail a roadside test days after taking substances, even if they feel unaffected.
The penalties for drug driving are the same as those for drink driving and can include a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine, a criminal record, and up to six months in prison. Causing death by careless driving while under the influence carries a potential life sentence.
Inspector Hearsum urged drivers to plan ahead and consider road conditions as winter sets in.
“Don’t take the risk of driving impaired,” he said. “But also consider everything about your driving at this time of year, the conditions change, so alter your driving style, drive to the conditions, and be patient with other road users.”
“If we all react to the conditions and we’re a bit more patient, there’s a greater likelihood that we’ll all get to where we’re going and be able to enjoy the festive period.”
Anyone concerned about drink or drug driving in Suffolk can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online. In an emergency, the public should always call 999.