Summer drink-drive campaign

A national campaign to reduce the number of people driving while under the influence of drink and drugs began on Tuesday.

With warmer weather, lighter, longer evenings and many sporting events including the World Cup taking place, more people are likely to be going out to pubs, bars and restaurants.

In a bid to reduce casualties and road deaths, officers will be maintaining a high level of enforcement to breath test people suspected of driving when over the limit.

Any driver involved in a road traffic collision, who commits a moving traffic offence or whose manner of driving arouses suspicion can expect to be breath tested.

During 2009, Nottinghamshire officers breath-tested more than 13,400 drivers, arresting 1,795 people for excess alcohol or for failing to provide specimens.

Inspector Ben Crane, of Nottinghamshire’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Driving while under the influence of alcohol can significantly impair judgment and reaction. It costs lives.

“With the World Cup approaching, we know a lot of people will be getting together to watch matches. This partially coincides with the drink drive campaign and I would urge people to plan ahead and if they decide to drink alcohol while watching the game, don’t even consider getting behind the wheel.

“We want people to enjoy the tournament but remain sensible. We will not tolerate drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs on Nottinghamshire’s roads.”