Hundreds of drivers have been caught breaking the law this summer, with police warning that more enforcement would be taking place across roads in the North West of England.
Cumbria Police launched Operation Spotlight last month to help keep roads safe, with the campaign hoping to crack down on dangerous driving.
The operation saw more than 100 drink and drug drivers arrested during the national road safety scheme, which was launched last month.
The police operation focused on targeting the “Fatal Four”, which are the key road hazards which endanger fellow motorists.
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CUMBRIA POLICE
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More than 100 drivers were arrested for breaking the law while travelling
This includes speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In the UK, drivers can face severe penalties for being caught intoxicated while behind the wheel, which include a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, and 10 penalty points on a driving licence.
The specific fine amount is often based on a percentage of your weekly income, with bands determining the exact figure. Additionally, a criminal record will be issued.
In Cumbria over the last month, 117 arrests were made, with 55 for drug driving, 41 for drink driving and 15 offences issued to drivers who fail to provide a breathalyser, while six drivers were arrested due to being found too unfit for the roads through drink or drugs.
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Drivers were fined and arrested by the police for travelling while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Inspector Jack Stabler, lead for Cumbria’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “It has been another busy Operation Spotlight for our officers. However, I must emphasise that catching dangerous drivers is our daily business in the Roads Policing Unit.
“So while this operation has come to a close, I can assure people that our commitment to targeting people who think they can get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs and those who drive dangerously on our roads will continue.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, warned that the damage and harm caused by someone who intentionally drives while under the influence “cannot be overstated”.
“For me, the message is clear: if you are driving dangerously and/or under the influence, you will be caught and you will face the consequence,” he added.
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Allen stated that Cumbria has no place for people who “drive like this” and urged all motorists “to drive sensibly and make sure you and others get home safe”.
The conclusion of Operation Spotlight leads directly into another police operation promoting road safety, which begins today, August 4.
Operation Colossus is a 15-week operation which aims to target anti-social behaviour, including the anti-social use of cars.
Stabler explained that the operation reiterates the police’s commitment to road safety 365 days a year. The operation focuses on areas of the county, including Workington, Whitehaven, Maryport, Carlisle, Ulverston, Bowness, Barrow, Kendal and Penrith, before concluding in November.
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Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the main causes of road fatalities
He outlined how Operation Colossus will include educational aspects rather than just penalties, with the project making more people aware of the dangers posed by drink and drug driving.
Allen shared: “Anti-social driving and anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters are issues that I hear on a regular basis from residents across the county. Near misses and misuse are a regular report to my office.
“I am pleased to see the Constabulary conducting a targeted operation in respect of this modern scourge and also happy to highlight the work that they complete year-round to reduce anti-social driving.”
Inspector Alex Johnson of Cumbria Police’s Operational Support Unit added that the anti-social behaviour operation, “is further action that we are taking as part of our ongoing commitment to neighbourhood policing and the communities we serve”.
