Over 300 Drivers Checked During Summer Driving Campaign

Over 300 stops of vehicles were carried out during a summer drink and drug drive campaign across Cleveland.

The national campaign led by the National Police Chief’s Council began on Monday 21^st August and aims to reduce the number of fatal or serious collisions on the roads caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Driving under the influence remains one of the main four causes of serious or fatal road traffic collisions on UK roads.

Whilst officers in Cleveland carried out over 300 stop checks of drivers, 26 people were arrested in connection with driving over the limit – 16 were arrested on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit and another ten in connection with being under the influence of drugs.

Officers also identified a number of other offences including possession of drugs, no seat belts, driving whilst disqualified, driving whilst using a mobile phone, no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Inspector Steve Clyburn, from Cleveland Police Roads Policing Unit, said: “Throughout the campaign officers have carried out over 300 checks on drivers across the Cleveland area. We’re really pleased that the majority were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and would like to thank those drivers for their co-operation.

“26 drivers who were found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and taking risks with not only their own lives but the lives of other road users, will now be put before the courts and risk losing their licence.”