Sussex Police launches Christmas drink-drive campaign

From now until the beginning of January, police across the county will be stepping up their usual activities to crack down on people who think that impaired driving is acceptable.

Chief Inspector Di Roskilly of Sussex Police Road Policing Unit said: “Like many other festive seasons previously we are concerned about the number of people who still choose to mix drinking or drug consumption with driving.

“It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure they are not impaired when they get behind the wheel, but this year we would also like to encourage other people to help us keep people safe and report those who still insist on driving.

“Mobile phone users can now report people they believe are drink or drug driving or those who are about to drink or drug drive by texting 65999. Some people may find this easier, especially as it can be done discreetly.

“Also this year we will be making applications to the courts for vehicles of persistent drink or drug drivers to be forfeited, along with our usual covert and overt operations and educational events alongside partners.”

During the same campaign last year 6,501 tests were carried out in a seven week period with 176 drivers arrested for being over the limit or refusing to provide a breath sample.

If you would like to make a report of drink/drug driving call 999 if the activity is currently taking place or 101 if it is not an emergency. You can also make reports through the Operation Crackdown website www.operationcrackdown.org or text 65999.

Mobile phone users who text 65999 to make a report are asked to include as much information as possible. Details about where the driver is leaving from, where they are going, the make of vehicle, a registration number and their name will all assist police to trace the driver.