Brighton and Hove motorists charged with drink driving offences to be named and shamed

By Jenni Davidson

Motorists in Brighton and Hove who are charged with driving under the influence of drink or drugs this Christmas are to be publically named and shamed.

Sussex Police will publish the name and address of every motorist told to appear in court on suspicion of having committed a drink or drug driving offence.

It is the first time Sussex Police has taken this approach, which is aimed at discouraging people from taking to the road while unfit to drive and preventing avoidable tragedies.

Officers will also tweet about anyone stopped on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences throughout December.

Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney said: “There is no excuse for driving while over the limit.

“Taking drugs or drinking and then driving puts people’s lives at risk – not just the offenders’ but anyone using the same roads as them.”

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne encouraged the public to report anyone they believe to be driving under the influence.

“We have a shared responsibility to keep our roads safer so I would urge residents who suspect someone may be driving under the influence of drink or drugs to report it to the police,” she said.

During December 2012 a total of 3,987 motorists were breathalised and 128 people in Sussex were arrested for drink driving offences.

Road users in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with details of anyone they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit call 999.