More than 60 arrests made during summer anti-drink and drug driving campaign

More than 60 people were arrested during the month of July as part of Gloucestershire Constabulary's annual summer anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

Of the 61 people arrested, 35 were on suspicion of drink driving, 19 on suspicion of drug driving, three on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle and four were arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen.

The multi-partnership campaign was co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Road Safety Partnership.

It ran from 1 to 31 July and aimed to educate drivers on the dangers and penalties they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

The campaign, which had a particular focus on the FIFA World Cup, had an emphasis on ensuring people were enjoying matches while being aware of the penalties they could face if found to be driving after drinking alcohol or consuming drugs.

As part of the campaign, officers from the Specialist Operations, Local Policing and Neighbourhood Policing teams, along with the Special Constabulary, took part in roadside police checks and did targeted patrols.

Superintendent Jessica Loxley-Clark, from the Constabulary's Specialist Operations Unit, said: "I would like to thank every officer and member of staff who played a part in making this a successful operation and allowing us to take drink and drug drivers off the roads.

"I would also like to thank the members of the public who reported suspected drink or drug drivers to us.

"It's still disappointing that this number of motorists risked their own life and the lives and safety of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"As a result, an operation like this isn't just for the summer months. Our efforts to make the roads of Gloucestershire safe take place 24/7, 365 days a year."

Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of Gloucestershire's Road Safety Partnership said: "More than 60 people arrested sends a really strong message to motorists in Gloucestershire and is a good result from our hard-working police team.

"These officers have done a great job at protecting all of us who use the road network in our county.

"It's good that we caught these people but it is disappointing that so many people choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence. We will continue to take action to arrest those who flout the law."

If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 101 or 999 if an offence is happening at the time.

Try and provide as much information as possible, including a description of the driver, the vehicle and direction of travel.

Alternatively you can report information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org