Police arrest 238 drink and drug drivers

Police arrest 238 drink and drug drivers

Greater Manchester Police arrested more than two drug drivers a day as part of a month-long crackdown on drink and drug driving.

Officers tested 93 motorists at the roadside for drugs and 68 of them tested positive for cannabis, cocaine or in some instances both.

In addition, police also breathalysed 2,805 drivers and of which 170 blew positive, failed, or refused to provide and were arrested.

The summer drink and drug-drive operation took place in June and was the first of its kind since the introduction of new drug drive legislation in March, which placed legal limits on illegal and medicinal drugs.

As part of their summer operation, officers took to the streets to speak to passers-by about changes to the law and demonstrate how roadside drug testing kits work.

Inspector Susan Redfern, who coordinated this year’s summer operation said: “The consequences of drink and drug driving have been well advertised but as the figures from our summer operation show, there are still far too many people ignoring advice and putting lives at risk.

“New legislation and roadside drug testing kits are have made it even easier for officers to bring motorists to justice and we will continue to make every use of it in an attempt to make our roads safer.

“Although our summer operation may be over, our work does not stop here. Stick to none for the road and if you know somebody that drink or drug drives, please let us know before they kill themselves or someone else.”

To report a drink or drug driver, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.