Cheshire Police are targeting drink and drug drivers in and around Nantwich at the start of a summer crackdown.
The force is backing the national campaign launched today June 1st until June 30 with a series of initiatives to raise awareness and provide local enforcement.
It will focus on motorists aged under 30, but also daytime drinkers who may drive to “alcohol fuelled” events and take the risk of driving home.
There will be increased use of roadside breath tests and field impairment tests.
Sgt Rachel Gallagher, Cheshire Roads Policing Investigation Unit, said: “The message is clear − don’t drink and drive.
“If you have only had two large glasses of wine, that’s well over a third of the bottle so even if you may think you are ok to drive, do not take the risk.
“If you are thinking of attending a family or organised barbecue over the summer period, arrange for alternative transport to the venue or have someone drive, who will be staying on soft drinks.
“We are also asking for peer group pressure to be exerted on drink and drug driving over the summer and not to get in a car as a passenger if you think that the driver has been drinking!”
In 2012, Cheshire Police made 1,700 arrests for drinking and driving – with 41% of those aged under 30.
Last June’s drink drive campaign saw 57 arrests in Cheshire East, 41 in the north, and 50 arrests in Cheshire West.
Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie added: “We ask the public to enjoy themselves during summer but to act responsibly around alcohol, and not to drink and drive.
“Some drivers felt having a few drinks was all right because they were only travelling a short distance. If you are behind the wheel and have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and everyone else, whatever length your journey may be.”
As part of the campaign, Cheshire Police’s “Think” car will tour the county visiting various towns, including Nantwich on June 29.
The car was donated by a family after their son was killed in a road collision over two years ago.
It aims to educate younger people as part of the anti-drink driving enforcement.
Their son was one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit but had not been speeding − the vehicle at impact was estimated to be only 43mph in a 60mph speed limit.
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