Hampshire's Summer Drink-Drive Success

A month-long campaign targetting drink and drug drivers in Hampshire has seen a significant fall in the numbers arrested and charged.

Officers from the force's Roads Policing Unit  were out looking for people driving under the influence of drink and drugs throughout June, as part of their annual summer campaign.

The number of people arrested for drink driving or drug driving offences has fallen by 19 per cent, from 274 in 2009 to 221 this year.

The number of people subsequently charged with those offences has fallen by 32 per cent, from 216 in 2009 and 147 this year.

One of the ways officers tackled this problem was by mounting special patrols the morning after big matches in this year’s World Cup. - the aim was to remind people that alcohol and drugs can remain in your system for some time.

Sergeant Darren Ord, of the Roads Policing Unit, said:

Despite Hampshire and the Isle of Wight basking in a relatively hot summer and people enjoying an after work drink and celebrating and commiserating after the World Cup, drivers seem to be getting the message about not driving while under the influence of drink and or drugs.

“However, we still have work to do to reduce the number of arrests and charges even further.

“Motorists must remember that driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs puts you and other road users at risk.”

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence and could cause immediate danger, you should dial 999.

If it is not an emergency situation you can call 101 or send a text message to 80999. Callers outside Hampshire can use 0845 045 45 45.