Drink and drug driving will not be tolerated – Met Police

Met Police drug driving

The Met Police has launched its annual festive drink and drug drive campaign with a warning to motorists that the offences will not be tolerated in the Capital.

Until 31 December, traffic officers, with support from borough policing colleagues, will be stepping up efforts to detect motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Whenever a driver is stopped for a moving traffic offence, involved in any road traffic collision, or is suspected of having been drinking or taking drugs, a breath test will be administered or a sample of saliva will be taken in accordance with the Met’s policy.

The Met says it is now better equipped than ever to detect and penalise those who take the risk to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Chief superintendent Colin Wingrove, the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said:

“Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs will not be tolerated on London’s roads.

“This campaign is part of a wider national initiative with police forces around the UK increasing enforcement. It also supports Vision Zero which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041, with drink and drug driving being a significant factor.

“Throughout this month of action, traffic officers will be carrying out enforcement to address any motoring offences, focusing on drink and drug driving. We also aim to raise awareness and help reduce these matters, reminding drivers that the police are on the lookout.”

Data provided by TfL shows that between April 2016 and February 2018, there were 269 fatal or serious casualties resulting from drink or drug drive collisions.

Siwan Hayward, director of compliance and policing at TfL, said:

“There is absolutely no reason to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs. It is extremely selfish and can have devastating consequences for drivers, other road users and their families.

“Our message is clear, we won’t tolerate any careless, illegal or dangerous behaviour and through our work with the police we will take robust action against those that do.”


05 December 2018