Drink and drug drive crackdown

An example of the breathalysers police will use during the campaign

Thinking of driving after drinking or taking drugs? Well think again because Thames Valley Police is having a summer crackdown.

The force will be taking part in the European TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) campaign to crack down on motorists who are drinking and drug-driving.

Police forces across Europe will be increasing the number of roadside checks and drivers breathalysed and tested for drugs throughout the week from Monday.

Thames Valley Police will then continue these checks as part of the NPCC (National Police Chiefs’ Council) campaign which will run throughout June and into July and coincide with the UEFA Euro Championships.

Drivers who are found to be unfit to drive or over the drink or drug-drive limit will be arrested.

Sgt Chris Appleby, from the roads policing department, said: “Driving after drinking is a major cause of death and injury on our roads. Alcohol impairs many of the functions necessary for safe driving and the risk of death or injury rapidly increases with alcohol consumption, it’s not worth the risk.

“This is the first drink and drug-drive campaign this year, following on from the success of the 2015 national Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign.” Follow the campaign on Twitter using #ItsNotWorthTheRisk for updates throughout the week.