Euro 2020 Means Extra Drink-Drive Patrols In Sussex

A new Sussex Police campaign means driving home from drinks parties surrounding Euro 2020 games has become even more unwise than it was before.

A summer campaign to crack down on drink and drug-drivers kicked off today (Friday 11 June), in conjunction with the Euro 2020 football tournament.

Sussex Police, along with their colleagues in Sussex, said officers will deploy increased resources to tackle what police figures show is one of the five most common causes of collisions causing fatalities or serious injuries.

Additionally, the county's officers will publish, on the police website, the identities of anyone convicted of drink or drug driving during the campaign.

The goal, police stated, is to "keep all road users safe, and take robust action against those who risk lives.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Our aim is to reduce the possibility of people being injured or killed through collisions whereby the driver has been under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Take responsibility for your own actions and the actions of others — do not drive if you are going to drink or use drugs, as the consequences can be fatal for yourself or an innocent member of the public.

“And if you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, report it to us immediately — you could save a life.

“We could be anywhere.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added:

"I’ve held 32 focus groups over the last month and nearly all in attendance have told me that one of their biggest concern is antisocial and dangerous driving.

“I am always dismayed by the number of people who choose to get behind the wheel of their vehicle when they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

"This is not just inconsiderate, it’s totally irresponsible.

"Those who kill or seriously injure others when over the limit should be in no doubt that they will face the legal and social consequences of their actions.

"The message is clear: drink or drive; don’t take the risk and do both, even if you have had ‘only one drink’.”

The dedicated campaign runs from Friday 11 June to Sunday 11 July.

Chief Insp Hodder added:

“We hope that by maximising publication of this campaign, people will think twice about their actions.

"Even one pint of beer, or one glass of wine, can be enough to put you over the limit and significantly impair your ability to drive safely."

In Sussex, between April 2020 and March 2021, three fatal collisions occurred where drink or drug driving was a factor: and there were 288 other casualties.

During the same period, a total of 1,185 arrests were made for drink-driving in Sussex, and a further 1,135 for drug-driving.

Police stated that the consequences of drink or drug driving, include:

• A minimum 12 month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance;
• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;
• Causing death or serious injury.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving, or visit the Operation Crackdown website. 

However, police added that reports of a person driving, at the time, clearly over the limit or after taking drugs should be reported to 999.