The annual Sussex Police crackdown on drink and drug drivers starts today (Thursday 1 December).
The force said that it had made “a significant investment in its ongoing campaign to tackle drink and drug driving this Christmas”.
It said: “Approximately 300 officers across the force are now fully qualified to test motorists for drugs at the roadside.
“This is in addition to the hundreds more officers already able to test for drink driving and makes it harder than ever for motorists to get away with offences which put their lives and others’ at risk.
“The figure – up from about 110 – includes both Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and non-RPU officers.”
The annual crackdown runs from today until Sunday 1 January. Inspector Stewart Goodwin, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our priority is to keep everyone who uses the roads in our counties safe.
“By increasing the number of officers capable of testing for drink and drug driving, we are increasing our chances of catching criminals.
“Subsequently, this decreases the risk of innocent motorists being involved in collisions with someone who is under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Realistically, no matter how many warnings we issue and how much advice we give, there is always going to be a minority of motorists who continue to break the law.
“Our focus is on educating these individuals that under no circumstances is it ok to drive while over the specified limit of drink or drugs.”
During the Christmas campaign, the Roads Policing Unit will carry out dedicated patrols to “put the brakes on motorists who take to the road while under the influence of intoxicating substances”.
Other officers will also target drink and drug drivers during routine patrols.
Superintendent Chris Moon, head of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “There is no safe limit for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Our advice is simple – go cold turkey or do not drive.
“If you’re tempted, just think of the consequences. You could lose your job, your home or your life. And remember even if you opt to take the sensible way home at night you may still be over the limit the following morning.
“Driving with drink or drugs in your system impairs your judgment and ability to drive safely.
“Not only can you cause injury or death to others, being caught drink or drug driving can also have other consequences such as a criminal record, a heavy fine, losing your job and your licence, an increase in
your insurance premiums and trouble travelling to certain countries.”
