Crackdown on drink and drug-driving launched by police

Date: 10/6/2010

West Midlands Police have launched a drink and drug-driving campaign in a bid to improve road safety.

The initiative will coincide with the Fifa World Cup and officers will be out in force to catch those breaking the law.

Late night and early morning inspections will be carried out, along with voluntary breath testing.

The force's traffic unit will automatically breathalyse anyone involved in a collision and they will be assisted by ten community support officers.

Inspector Greg Jennings remarked: "West Midlands Police are determined to address the annual summer increase in road accidents which result in death or life-changing injury."

He added the small number of motorists who continue to drive while under the influence will be caught and prosecuted.

Official figures revealed 969 people were seriously injured in road traffic collisions and 59 deaths were reported across the West Midlands in 2008.

Meanwhile, West Midlands Police will also be offering speed awareness courses for motorists caught driving above the limit.

It will mean those caught can be educated rather than penalised and they will not receive three points on their licence if they attend the sessions.

Posted by Sarah Bailey