This is Essex -- NINETEEN people who have been arrested and charged as part of Essex Police's Christmas anti-drink driving campaign have racked up more almost £5,000 in fines and 365 months of disqualifications. The campaign has seen 2,072 drivers breathalysed and 64 were found to be over the legal limit throughout the county since the launch on December 1. Police are continuing to patrol towns and also rural areas, where some drivers think they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel, as Christmas approaches. Drink driving can result in a criminal record, the loss of your driving licence or a fine of up to £5,000. If you kill or injure someone, you could face up to 14 years in prison. Adam Pipe, the force's Casualty Reduction Manager, said: "This year's message is to plan in advance how you are going to get home after a night out. If you intend to drink alcohol, leave the car at home and take public transport or pre-book a taxi. "If you are going out in a group, nominate a designated driver who will only drink soft drinks for the evening. Think about the consequences. "Losing your licence means not only being unable to drive but could mean losing your job and then unable to pay your bills." Ann Scott, regional manager for Crimestoppers, added: "If someone has information about a regular drink driver they may feel uncomfortable about going to the police. "We do not ask for the caller's name or any personal details. We do not trace or record our calls and those giving information do not have to give a statement to the police or go to court. Nobody will know you called." If you have any information about drink drivers, contact police or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 7 hours ago.
This is Essex -- NINETEEN people who have been arrested and charged as part of Essex Police's Christmas anti-drink driving campaign have racked up more almost £5,000 in fines and 365 months of disqualifications. The campaign has seen 2,072 drivers breathalysed and 64 were found to be over the legal limit throughout the county since the launch on December 1. Police are continuing to patrol towns and also rural areas, where some drivers think they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel, as Christmas approaches. Drink driving can result in a criminal record, the loss of your driving licence or a fine of up to £5,000. If you kill or injure someone, you could face up to 14 years in prison. Adam Pipe, the force's Casualty Reduction Manager, said: "This year's message is to plan in advance how you are going to get home after a night out. If you intend to drink alcohol, leave the car at home and take public transport or pre-book a taxi. "If you are going out in a group, nominate a designated driver who will only drink soft drinks for the evening. Think about the consequences. "Losing your licence means not only being unable to drive but could mean losing your job and then unable to pay your bills." Ann Scott, regional manager for Crimestoppers, added: "If someone has information about a regular drink driver they may feel uncomfortable about going to the police. "We do not ask for the caller's name or any personal details. We do not trace or record our calls and those giving information do not have to give a statement to the police or go to court. Nobody will know you called." If you have any information about drink drivers, contact police or give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reported by This is 7 hours ago.