In the know

Motorists are being warned there are no excuses for drink or drug driving as Surrey Police launch their annual winter crackdown campaign today.

There will be increased drug testing of motorists on our roads, as well as additional patrols, as part of Operation Limit, the nationwide campaign to tackle drink and drug driving. Throughout December you will see officers on our roads carrying out increased drug tests, breath tests, stop checks, and patrols. While we cannot always prevent people from driving while over the limit, we will be relentless in pursuing those who do.

The drug driving focus follows a rise in the number of offences detected across the country and will sit alongside our continued efforts to catch drink drivers. Last year saw 199 arrests for drink or drug driving in Surrey during December.

Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug driving one of the main causes of death or serious injuries on our roads. It also has serious consequences for those who are caught, such as losing their driving licence and potentially losing their job as a result.

With Christmas parties and other festive activities underway we know that, for some, the temptation to get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs is higher now than at any other time of year. This decision can and does cost lives, but these deaths are all entirely avoidable if people choose not to put themselves and others at risk.

The consequences of drink or drug driving include:

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.