Norfolk Police launch campaign against drink and drug-drivers which will see every driver they pull over breathalysed

Norfolk Police has launched a campaign to reduce the “devastating” effects that drink-driving can have.

Officers will be breathalysing every driver they stop over the next month in a bid to stop people travelling throughout the county while drunk.

Those caught intoxicated behind the wheel could face up to six months imprisonment, be fined an unlimited amount and be banned from driving for at least a year - leading the constabulary to ask motorists “if their licence is worth it”.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: “The message is simple – do not drive under the influence.

“It is important to note that alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for longer than you may realise.

“You could still be under the effects of drugs for days after you have consumed them.

“Losing your licence has a huge impact on your life, your car insurance costs will rise dramatically and if you have to drive for work, you could lose your job.

“It may even affect your ability to travel to other countries.”

The campaign started this week and will run until New Year’s Day.

Officers are urging people to consider other options to travel such as:

• Taking the bus and making use of the £2 bus fare cap on some services

• Booking a taxi

• Asking a family member or friend for a lift

To aid the initiative, National Highways has given funding to both Norfolk and Suffolk Police for drug wipes which will expand testing capability and increase the chances of detecting drug drivers on the road.

Lawrence Seager, regional safety programme manager from National Highways, said: “The statistics make it clear: driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs drastically increases the risk of causing a collision.

“However, research shows that there is still a misconception that driving under the influence of drugs is acceptable.

“I hope the messages within this campaign help road users to understand that is not that case.”

Sarah Taylor, Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, added: “I welcome National Highway’s contribution to the Constabulary’s drug-driving testing regime over the winter period.

“Campaigns like this one are vital if we are to keep educating drivers about the effects of drugs and alcohol on our ability to drive and this support will make a difference over the winter period.

“By highlighting the potential consequences as this campaign does, people can be reminded to make better or different choices this winter which can only be a good thing.”