Crime Solicitors

Merseyside Police Force has launched its annual summer drink-drive campaign to warn motorists to drink responsibly this summer.

In 2015, officers stopped and tested a total of 6,787 drivers – 1,300 more than in 2014 – and arrested 131 people for failing a breath test.

This summer, officers will be out and about across Merseyside conducting breathalyser tests.

Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Tony Jones, said:

“Year on year, our officers’ conduct thousands of breath tests in campaigns such as these – and last year saw numerous arrests.

“We will continue to stop drivers – be it in the morning, afternoon or evening and carry out breath tests.

“My message is simple – enjoy a drink but do not take the car. The risks are enormous and simply not worth it. Alcohol can remain in your system for many hours – and you may still be over the limit the following day.

“Remember, drinks poured at home tend to be larger and there is no one calling ‘last orders’. If you are driving the following day, leaving it 12 hours before getting behind the wheel is advisable.

“Anyone caught drink driving faces a twelve-month driving ban and a fine of up to £5,000. There is also the risk of losing their job and the added pain to their families,” he added.

“I’d like to remind drivers your ability to drive can be affected by even a modest amount of alcohol – even if you are below the legal limit, alcohol still affects your judgement, placing you, your passengers and other road users at risk.”

The campaign is the second since the introduction of the drug driving offence, introduced in March 2015.

It is now an offence to drive while over the specified limit set for 17 drugs including cannabis and cocaine. In 2015, a total of 80% of drivers arrested for being unfit through drugs had used these two drugs. The list of drugs also includes those found in some medicines.

Sergeant Paul Mountford from Merseyside Police added:

“We continue to carry out roadside impairment tests on drivers suspected to be impaired by drugs. However, we can additionally test drivers at the roadside using handheld and portable drug testing equipment – and arrest if the result is positive.

“The simple presence of the drug may be sufficient to leave someone facing a driving ban and a significant fine.

“Those people who take prescribed medicines and who follow the instructions on the packaging or from their doctor needn’t worry and should continue to take their medicines.

“However, they should be aware that exceeding the dosage can have a significant effect on their driving, placing themselves and others in danger and also at risk of arrest.

“Only those who abuse their dosage need be concerned. Anyone in any doubt should speak to their doctor.”

Duncan Lewis Motoring Solicitors

Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving motoring offences, including charges involving speeding, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, drug-driving, failing to take a breathalyser test, driving without a current licence or driving uninsured, failure to report an accident and vehicle maintenance offences.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on Motoring Offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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