More than 120 arrests were made for drink and drug driving during a month-long police crackdown. The arrests came as part of Operation Spotlight, a national campaign targeting the so-called ‘Fatal Four’ driving offences: speeding, mobile phone use at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
In Cumbria, the operation was led by the constabulary’s dedicated Roads Policing Unit and resulted in 129 arrests, with 82 drivers detained for drug driving and 47 for drink driving.
A continuing trend towards drug driving
Inspector Holly Lockwood, lead for Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Whilst the RPU targets dangerous driving behaviour 365 days a year, Operation Spotlight gives us the opportunity to highlight that there are still a significant number of drivers who are getting behind the wheel each day whilst unfit through drink or drugs.
“We are continuing to see a trend of more drug-driving than drink driving arrests.
“One factor in this is that drugs such as cocaine and cannabis remain in your system significantly longer than alcohol – which means they can still be negatively impacting your driving behaviour more 24 hours after they have been taken.”
The role of the public
Inspector Lockwood also emphasised the importance of public assistance in reporting dangerous drivers. She said: “We very much welcome and encourage reports from members of the public who notice poor driving behaviour.
“By calling their concerns in, they could be helping us prevent a serious crash before it occurs.”
Emergency reports should be made via 999, while non-emergencies can be reported online at cumbria.police.uk/reportit or by calling 101. Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A welcome result for the county
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen said: “This is a great result for Cumbria – dangerous drivers are being taken off our roads and those who use the roads safely and lawfully are being kept safe.
“Road Safety is incredibly important – especially at this time of year when the county sees in influx of visitors and our roads are busier.
“For me, the message is clear: if you are driving dangerously and/or under the influence, you will be caught and face the consequences.
“I would urge all motorists to drive sensibly and make sure you get home safe.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
