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Ninety four motorists face a minimum 12 month ban and a fine of up to £5,000 after being caught drink driving during Leicestershire Constabulary's summer crackdown. A total of 1,215 drivers were breathalysed during the campaign which ran for the month of June. Eighty five men and nine women were found to be over the alcohol limit. Thirty per cent of those (a total of 28) were under the age of 25. A further five motorists suspected of drug driving have undergone field impairment tests carried out by specially trained officers in the Force's Road Policing Unit. Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as drink driving. Inspector Vivienne Brenchley from Leicestershire Constabulary's Road Policing Unit said: "Although the number of motorists testing positive has fallen from 139 during last summer's campaign, to 94 this summer, it is still disappointing that so many motorists are willing to risk their lives, their job prospects and possibly their freedom by drink driving. "I hope the 94 motorists who will be losing their licences after being caught during this campaign will serve as a warning to others of the consequences of drink driving. "Although the summer campaign has come to an end, Leicestershire Constabulary's zero tolerance attitude to drink and drug driving continues. Officers will stop and challenge any motorist they believe to be driving under the influence at any time of the day or night. "If you know a persistent drink or drug driver then please don't hesitate to contact the police or Crimestoppers, if you wish to pass on information anonymously. Officers will be able to use this information to target offenders and make the roads of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a safer place." Last year Leicestershire and Rutland Crimestoppers received 133 anonymous actionable calls in relation to drink drivers. These anonymous calls lead to the police prosecuting over 80 drivers. During this summer's campaign, Crimestoppers received eight calls about persistent drink drivers, which lead to one arrest. Leicestershire Constabulary is reminding drivers that: - Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal alcohol limit carries a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
- An endorsement for drink driving remains on a driving licence for 11 years, so it will be 11 years before a convicted driver will have a ‘clean' licence again.
- The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine is a maximum six months imprisonment, up to £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.
- Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a maximum two year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.
Leicestershire Constabulary is encouraging anyone with information about people who are drinking or driving to report them to police by calling (0116) 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111. |
