Motorists Urged to ‘Kick Out’ Drink and Drug driving as World Cup approaches

Motorists are being urged to ‘kick out’ drink and drug driving as the World Cup approaches.

Throughout the tournament (which beings on Sunday 20^th November) and over the Christmas period, officers will carry out enforcement action and intelligence-led checks on drivers.

Those who are found to be under the influence and therefore putting their own and others’ lives at risk, will be removed from Cleveland’s roads.

Alcohol and drugs can remain in someone’s system for extended periods of time and whilst someone may feel fit enough to drive the next morning, they could still be in excess of the legal limit.

Roads Policing Operations Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “Whilst we hope that everyone enjoys the tournament, we would like to remind people about the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs and their responsibility to ensure they are fit to drive, especially if they have attended, or are attending events, bars or other venues, where elements of the tournament are being televised or celebrated.

“To ensure our roads and communities are safe, Cleveland Police will be running an intelligence-led campaign during the period of this tournament, and in the run up to Christmas, to identify potential offenders and remove them from our roads.

“There will also be risks around driving the next morning, having consumed alcohol or used drugs, as both can remain within the system for extended periods of time; therefore, whilst you may feel fit enough to drive it might not be safe to do so. Our message is that we don’t want people’s lives put at risk by anyone getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence.”