Peeblesshire News | News | Police launch new crackdown on motorists

Monday, 8th September, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 22nd July, 2008 12:00

Police launch new crackdown on motorists

By David O'Leary

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Police have this week launched a two-week initiative aimed at cracking down on motorists who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Officers from Lothian and Borders Police will be taking part in the national summer drink/drug drive campaign, which ends on Monday July 28.

The initiative will see high visibility patrols and unmarked police vehicles deployed on local roads. In addition, road checks will also take place at various locations throughout the Force area.

As part of the initiative, a new ‘Curb the Danger’ campaign will see offenders who escape detection being sent letters to their home addresses, informing them that they have been suspected of driving while under the influence.

The intention is to warn them of the likelihood that they will not escape detection if they repeat their behaviour, although officers will make every effort to ensure that they are caught in the act.

Inspector Richard Latto, Road Policing Branch is leading the initiative locally. He said: “There are two elements to this initiative. Firstly, the enforcement element will see officers in marked and unmarked patrol cars being deployed across the Force area, while road checks will also be carried out.

“The education element will involve the launch of the ‘Curb the Danger’ campaign, which aims to alert members of the public of the likelihood of them being caught if they are foolish enough to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“At the same time, we are asking members of the public to lend their assistance by reporting suspected impaired drivers. Through this combination of enforcement and education, we aim to drive the message home that persistent offenders will be caught.

“They are gambling with their lives, as well as the lives of other people. That cannot and will not be tolerated.”

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