Drink and drug drivers arrested in Sussex Police crackdown

Dozens of drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving as part of Sussex Police’s annual crackdown.

Officers from across the county have been working as part of Op Limit, a nationwide campaign to catch offenders on our roads.

After the first two weeks, 87 drivers have been arrested on our roads on suspicion of drink or drug driving in Sussex.

Of those, 28 have already been charged with offences and will appear in court later this month or early in the New Year 2023.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton said: “It is concerning that we are still seeing so many irresponsible drivers getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

“Some of those we have arrested have been involved in collisions on the road and put themselves and other road users at risk.

“Our officers are determined to catch offenders to prevent them from causing serious harm.

“We police the roads 24/7 and our work to catch those who are over the limit continues all year round. So those who are over the limit while driving should be warned that while we cannot be everywhere, officers could be anywhere.

“If you suspect someone is seeking to drive while over the limit for alcohol or drugs, you should report them to the police. It could save someone’s life.”

Previously, Sussex Police launched its campaign called Drink-Driving, Together We Can Stop It, which encourages the public to prevent, persuade, and report drink-drivers to save lives.

You can help prevent drink driving by taking steps such as pre-booking a taxi before a night out, agreeing with friends or loved ones to attend a venue where you can all walk to, or agree to have a designated driver for the night who does not drink alcohol.

Friends and family members are also encouraged to help persuade someone who may be intoxicated not to get behind the wheel, such as by offering a lift with a designated driver, offering a place to stay, booking them a taxi, or taking a drink-driver’s keys off them.

But if you are unable to prevent or persuade a drink-driver, the public are urged to report them to the police.

Being intoxicated through either alcohol or drugs is one of the “fatal five” factors in why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

The other factors are driving at excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt, being distracted such as by using a mobile phone, and careless or inconsiderate driving.

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include the following:

• A minimum 12 month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance;
• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;
• You could also kill or seriously injure yourself or someone else