Tackling drink and drug driving ahead of the summer

Our specialist Roads Policing Unit carried out targeted enforcement activity on Friday 12 June across Harlow and Epping Forest, as part of Operation Limit.

The operation forms part of our response to the busy summer period, including the World Cup, when more people are out socialising and travelling.

During the day, officers focused on identifying drivers putting others at risk.

They carried out proactive patrols, stop checks and speed enforcement, leading to:
• Four arrests for drink driving, including one driver who blew 100, more than double the legal limit
• Nine arrests for drug driving
• 146 Traffic Offence Reports issued for offences such as mobile phone usage when driving and not wearing a seatbelt
• 189 speeding offences were detected in 30mph zones
• 18 vehicles seized

Alongside this, officers also took action against other dangerous driving behaviours increasing risk to all our road users.

As part of the operation:
• Two drivers were issued warnings for anti-social driving. This can include behaviour such as aggressive driving or using a vehicle in a way that causes annoyance to other drivers. Repeat offences can lead to the vehicle being seized.
• Two vehicles were issued prohibition notices after being found to be unroadworthy. These notices are used when a vehicle has serious defects that make it unsafe, such as dangerous tyres, faulty brakes, or defective lights, and mean it cannot legally be driven until repaired.

Tackling impaired driving remains a priority all year round and operations such as this are designed to:
• Keep roads safe during busy periods
• Deter people from making the decision to drive after drinking or taking drugs
• Identify offenders using intelligence-led patrols and roadside testing

The increase in summer social events and sporting fixtures can lead to more people taking risks, but our message remains - don’t take the risk. Driving while over the limit for alcohol or drugs puts lives in danger, including your own, and if you are caught, you could face arrest, a driving ban or a criminal record. Longer term outcomes mean you could also lose your job, your independence, and seriously harm or kill someone.

This summer, to keep you safe, you can expect to see patrols and enforcement activity as officers continue to target those who ignore the law and put others at risk.

But you too have a role to play in keeping Essex’s roads safe.

• Plan ahead if you’re going out by arranging a lift, taxi or overnight stay
• Never get into a vehicle with someone you believe is unfit to drive
• Report suspected drink or drug driving to police using Livechat

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