Stratford-on-Avon District Council's CCTV team has assisted Warwickshire Police in stopping over ninety-one suspected drink and drug drivers leading to arrest and prosecution from April 2023 to May 2024.
The CCTV team works closely with Warwickshire Police and local retail and licensed premises to share information about crime and anti-social behaviour including suspected drink and drug driving. As a result of these partnerships the CCTV team have identified ninety-one incidents where it was suspected a person was impaired through drink or drugs when driving. CCTV operators have been able to gather evidence and guide police officers to vehicles of suspect impaired drivers. This has led to roadside tests being administered and where persons have been found to be over the drink/drug limits they have been arrested and subsequently convicted.
Cllr Natalie Gist, Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance, said: "Drink and drug driving is illegal and puts lives at risk. When the worst happens, and someone is either injured or killed it not only affects that person but also their loved ones and local communities who have to live with the devastation it causes. Do not drink and drive. The CCTV team at Stratford on Avon District Council work closely with licensed premises throughout the District and with Warwickshire Police to do their best to ensure that road users who cause a danger to public are brought to justice. Drink and drug driving are very serious offences and will be treated as such by the justice system."
Inspector Simon Paul, from Warwickshire Police, said: "Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable, and this is reflected in the high number of calls we receive from CCTV operators, businesses and members of the public who call the police concerned that someone may be driving under the influence.
"During our Christmas anti drink and drug driving operation, this led to around 14% of all our arrests.
"Every week, officers arrest approximately 15 suspected drink and drug drivers. We know the biggest deterrent to drink and drug driving is being caught and punished and if convicted, these drivers face a minimum 1 year ban, a fine and costs and a criminal record that could affect their job prospects and ability to travel to certain countries. Drivers convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs could face life imprisonment.
"Officers will continue to target dangerous and irresponsible drivers using the roads and encourage people to report suspected drink or drug drivers to police by calling 101 or in an emergency 999."
Please remember drink driving is illegal and puts lives at risk. Instead of driving, drinkers on a night out are asked to plan ahead and agree a designated driver with friends before they go out, book a taxi, arrange to stay nearby, or go out within walking distance of home.
There are a range of local services for adults and young people affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Change Grow Live (CGL) can support anyone aged 18+ with any concerns about their drug and/or alcohol use and have hubs in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. CGL offer personalised 1-1 care and group support.
For more information see: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/alcohol
