Nine arrests for drink and drug driving as part of road safety patrols

On Friday 25 October, our Road Crime Team led colleagues from teams across the force to focus on road safety issues, with a particular focus on drink and drug drivers.
Supported by Roads Policing Unit officers, Operational Support Group and Dogs section, our officers made a total of 10 arrests – six drug driving and three drink driving arrests.

Inspector Emma Patterson said:
We’re out there each day to patrol our roads to keep them safe for everyone.
Despite it being against the law, there are still people out there who think it is okay for them to get behind the wheel after they drink or take drugs. I’m here to say it’s not okay.
Taking robust action at the roadside, we arrested nine drivers, something they didn’t expect, but they should – it’s against the law.
It’s selfish and it won’t be tolerated, today or any day.

Over the evening, a tenth arrest was made when a driver was stopped, and enquiries showed he was wanted on warrant for drug offences and a serious assault.
In addition to the arrests, officers seized 15 uninsured vehicles, recovered five stolen cars and issued 53 traffic offence reports.

Routine patrols help us to identify and target offenders and their criminal use of our roads.
Those who think they can use the roads to carry out crimes such as transport drugs and sell them, or evade arrest, should know we will do all we can to stop them from harming our communities.

One unroadworthy vehicle was issued a prohibition order meaning it was stopped from driving further.

It’s also important to maintain the condition of your car so that it’s safe for you and your passenger.
But it’s more than that.
Faulty, neglected brakes could contribute to you being unable to stop in an emergency should there be a hazard up ahead. And coupled with speeding, it could end with you being involved in a collision.
A seatbelt could save your life and needs to be worn to protect everyone concerned. But again, some people chose not to wear one.

Roads Policing Unit officers work as part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to reduce collisions. Our joint ambition is to have no road deaths by 2040 or sooner by focussing on the Fatal Four offences that are recognised as those that contribute to collisions – not wearing a seatbelt, mobile phone distraction, speeding and drink or drug driving.

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