Increased police activity in Kent to tackle drink and drug driving

Kent Police is supporting a national campaign to raise awareness of drink and drug driving and to ensure those taking risks are caught.

The national enforcement week of action starts on Monday 22 August 2022, when officers will be out across the county specifically looking out for drivers who are putting people in danger.

Road checks

Road checks will be carried out day and night, targeting motorists suspected of driving whilst impaired and who may be committing other motoring offences too. Officers will work with partner agencies to ensure those breaking the law and putting lives at risk are caught.

Police officers have powers to stop cars and conduct breath tests and roadside drugs wipes. Anyone they find to be breaking the law could face prosecution.

Chief Inspector Craig West from the Roads Policing Unit said:

‘Summer is a time when more people are out socialising and enjoying themselves, but if you plan to drink then please leave your car keys at home. Too often we are seeing people taking risks and it just isn’t worth it.‘In June 2022, 111 arrests were made in relation to drink driving and 63 arrests for drug driving. This type of offending is one of the main causes for serious and fatal collisions, alongside not wearing your seatbelt, speeding and using a mobile phone.‘Motorists who drink alcohol or take drugs and then get behind the wheel are not only risking their own life but the lives of their passengers as well as other innocent motorists or pedestrians. So much harm can be caused from this and it is completely avoidable.‘At Kent Police we contribute to Kent County Council’s Vision Zero strategy, which involves a number of partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible.‘You may think you are ok to drive and that you haven’t had that much to drink, but it doesn’t take a lot to impair your judgement and one small mistake can have tragic consequences. We will continue to carry out enforcement and support awareness campaigns like this one but it is important to recognise that everyone has a part to play in keeping Kent’s roads safe.’

Further advice

• We urge people to plan ahead before a night out. If you are intending to drink then keep some money aside for a taxi home or nominate a driver in your group of friends who will not drink at all.

• Remember that alcohol can stay in your system the morning after a night out. It is just not worth the risk of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when you have alcohol in your system.

• Our message is that there is no safe amount of alcohol to have when driving, so if you plan to have an alcoholic drink you should make alternative arrangements to get home.

• Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving whilst above the legal limit.

• Anyone who causes a death while drink or drug-driving faces up to 14 years’ imprisonment.