Thirty-nine motorists in Crewe and Nantwich are among more than 250 facing bans and large fines for drink and drug driving in a Cheshire-wide crackdown.
A Cheshire Police operation caught 16 in Crewe and Nantwich behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol, and another 23 under the influence of drugs.
In total, 121 people were arrested for drink driving, and another 131 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.
That’s almost double the 73 drug-driving arrests made in June last year, while drink-driving arrests dropped slightly from 141.
All of those arrested are now likely to face driving bans and large fines.
Supt Martin Cleworth, head of the Cheshire Police Task Force, said: “It’s disappointing to see so many people still believe it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“The dangers of both drink and drug driving are well known – it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards.
“All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision.
“All of those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on both their personal and professional lives.”
Roads policing officers in Cheshire are equipped with alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire David Keane said: “It’s pleasing to see the work officers are undertaking to make Cheshire’s roads safer by proactively tackling people who believe it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating. They can cause a ripple effect that can have shattering ramifications for not only the driver of the vehicle, but innocent members of the public.
“I’m glad to see the positive stance being taken by our police service and I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure that this continues into the future.”
Supt Cleworth added: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. I cannot reiterate enough how much drivers are risking their own lives and the lives of others.
“While this operation has now concluded, our commitment to removing dangerous drivers from the streets of Cheshire continues, and we will use all of tools available to help us achieve our goal.
“I also want to urge people to help us by coming forward to report anyone they believe may be under the influence. Together we can help make the roads across the county safer for everyone.”
Table of drink and drug driving arrests for Cheshire, below:
It’s about time people got.pulled over. The amount of work vans that stink of drugs is shocking when following them on my motorbike.
I hope they were some of them caught !!