Roads policing officers teamed up with special constables to carry out enforcement activity targeting suspected drink or drug drivers across the BCP area.
On the evening of Wednesday, 18 December 2024, officers carried out simultaneous static stop checks on vehicles on Parkstone Road in Poole and Wimborne Road in Bournemouth.
Officers stopped motorists at random to carry out a roadside breath test and a check of their vehicle. Drivers and passengers were also reminded of the dangers of driving while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.
Following the static stop checks, officers went out on intelligence-led mobile patrols to locate anyone who may be driving while impaired.
During the course of the evening, two people were arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit. They have both been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
A number of other matters were dealt with, including four drivers stopped for having no insurance, four drivers stopped for reportedly driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, two drivers were stopped for not having tax on their vehicles, and one person was fined for driving without due care and attention.
Other activity included stopping vehicles for having defective headlights and defective tyres, which means their vehicle falls below the standard and poses a risk to other road users.
A second night of enforcement action took place on Friday, 20 December 2024, and saw five motorists arrested for drug driving offences and one for a drink drive offence. Further arrests were also made for driving while disqualified, drug offences, and an immigration matter.
Officers also seized seven vehicles, detected seven no insurance offences, two failures to adhere to a red light, two motorists driving without a valid MOT, three without a licence and two speeding offences.
Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We know that people may consider driving home from a Christmas gathering while under the influence of either drink or drugs, and we want to send out a clear message that this will not be tolerated.
“Our enforcement activity at the static stop check sites allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to preventing people from driving while impaired, while also giving us an opportunity to provide education to drivers about using our roads responsibly and within the law.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in these enforcement operations for helping to prevent road traffic collisions and protecting lives.
“We were really pleased to be supported by our dedicated colleagues from the Special Constabulary to assist us in providing an increased visible presence out on the roads.
“We tackle reports of drink and drug driving all year round, and our enforcement activity will continue to deter motorists from driving in a dangerous manner.
“All too often we hear that people are reluctant to report a drink or drug driver as they don’t believe anything will come from it. Throughout December, we are providing a call back to every informant to update on what police activity has taken place, and we would like to thank everyone for their support so far.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “I know from public engagement that road safety is a priority for Dorset residents. The Force works all year round to educate drivers about the risks of drink and drug driving and enforce the law when offences are committed to prevent avoidable deaths. But I know Christmas and New Year is a time for celebrating with family and friends, so I urge everyone to carefully consider the consequences of their actions before getting in their car over the festive season.
“Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ most common causes of deaths on Dorset roads, so if you decide to get behind a wheel under the influence, you will put your own and others’ lives at risk. I am lobbying the government for tougher sanctions to impose on drivers caught breaking the law and to lower the legal limit of alcohol consumption for motorists. I want to take this opportunity to thank officers and especially our Special Constable volunteers who gave up their time last week to help make Dorset’s roads a safer place to drive.”
If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number, and direction of travel.
