Drink drivers to be named and shamed by police in Sussex

Drivers who are charged with getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs will be publicly named by the police this Christmas.
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Police crackdown

Every motorist told to appear in court on suspicion of having committed a drink or drug-driving offence after being stopped by road policing unit officers will have their names and addresses published.

It is the first time Sussex Police has taken this proactive approach and is aimed at discouraging people from taking to the road while unfit and preventing avoidable tragedies.

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Officers will also tweet about anyone stopped on suspicion of drink or drug-driving offences throughout December, giving brief details such as when and where the person was pulled over.

Chief Inspector Natalie Moloney said: “There is no excuse for driving while over the limit.

“Taking drugs or drinking and then driving puts people’s lives at risk - not just the offenders but anyone using the same roads as them.

“It is socially unacceptable to drink and drive but there is still a small proportion of motorists who continue to get behind the wheel after having a drink.

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“They believe the law does not apply to them and clearly either don’t recognise the consequences or don’t care. We aim to do all we can to prevent that sort of behaviour.

“In some cases younger motorists have got the drink-driving message but are instead taking illegal drugs and using the roads.

“They may not realise that their driving has been affected by what they have taken but drugs hinder your reflexes and can be as dangerous as alcohol when you are behind the wheel.

“I hope identifying all those who are to appear in court because of drink or drug driving will act as a deterrent and make Sussex safer for all road users.”

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Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Drink and drug driving are totally unacceptable and I think it is absolutely right that those accused of breaking the law are publically identified.

“We have a shared responsibility to keep our roads safer so I would urge residents who suspect someone may be driving under the influence of drink or drugs to report it to the police.”

During December 2012 a total of 3,987 motorists were breathalised and 128 people were arrested for drink driving offences.

Road users in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with details about people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit call 999.