Mersey Reporter - Merseybites News

MERSEYSIDE Police have said they arrested 469 drug drivers, along with 191 drink drivers within Merseyside, over the festive period.

This "epidemic of drug drivers" being stopped is shocking. This latest crackdown produced a 123 increase on the previous festive period. Even more shocking is the fact that throughout 2023 the Force arrested an average of 53 drivers a week, which works out at 227 drivers a week. In total, over 2023, 2,730 were arrested.

Merseyolice and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "I hope these numbers act as a stark reminder to everyone that, no matter what time of year, driving while under the influence will never be tolerated. Mersey Police are determined to crack down on this all year round."

To learn about the penalties for drunk driving and attempting to drunk drive, please visit:- Gov.UK

Currently, penalties for drug driving are as follows:- A minimum 1 year driving ban, with an unlimited fine. Drivers found guilty can also have up to 6 months in prison and a criminal record.

In the UK it is an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs.

To find out more about the drug driving laws in the UK, you can visit:- Gov.UK

If you cause death or serious injury by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs, you will also face receiving:-

Life imprisonment.
An unlimited fine.
A ban from driving for at least 5 years.
An extended driving test before your licence is returned.

Did you know that if you are a conviction for drug driving also means:-

Your car insurance costs will increase significantly once you can drive again.
If you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence, and that or a ban from driving could mean you lose your job.
Plus, a lesser-known issue might see you having trouble travelling to countries like the USA.

In the UK a petition has also been made to make a new law that will give a lifetime driving ban for convicted Drunk or Drug drivers. You can find out more about this by going to:- Petition.Parliament.UK.

If you suspect someone is drunk or drug-driving regularly, tell us what you know, 100% anonymously via:- CrimeStoppers-UK.Org.

For advice and support for alcohol abuse for you or someone you know, visit:- DrinkAware.Co.UK.

For advice and support on drug abuse for you or someone you know, please visit:- https://TalkToFrank.Com

We also suggest you look at:- DrinkAware.Co.UK.

What are your thoughts about this issue? Please message us or post your views below.

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