More than 100 drink and drug drivers were arrested in Cumbria during July’s road safety operation targeting the Fatal Four.
Operation Spotlight is a national road safety operation which focuses on the Fatal Four:
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone at the wheel
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs
Here in Cumbria, the operation was led by the Constabulary’s dedicated Roads Policing Unit and resulted in 117 arrests:
- Sec 5a (drug driving): 55
- Sec 5 OPL (drink driving): 41
- Fail to provide: 15
- Unfit through drink or drugs: 6
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 day business in the Roads Policing Unit.
“So whilst 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 whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and those who drive dangerously on our roads will continue.”
The conclusion of Operation Spotlight leads directly into another operation promoting road safety which begins next week.
Operation Colossus is a 15-week operation promoting road safety whilst targeting anti-social behaviour, including the anti-social use of cars.
Inspector Stabler said: “This new Cumbria operation reiterates our commitment to road safety 365 days a year.
“Whilst Operation Spotlight focused on enforcement, Operation Colossus will also include education as we seek to make people more aware of the dangers posed by behaviour such as drink and drug driving, in the hope they think twice before getting behind the wheel whilst inebriated.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “This is a fantastic result for Cumbria’s Road Policing Team – pulling 117 dangerous drivers off the road helps keep our Cumbria roads and drivers safe.
"It is worrying that individuals are driving under the influence, particularly of drugs. They are in charge of a heavy, complex piece of machinery, often moving at speed. The damage and harm to others that can be caused by someone who intentionally drives whilst under the influence cannot be over stated.
“The Road’s Policing Team are out every single day, 365 days a year, catching those who are driving recklessly, dangerously and with no consideration for other road users in our county and keeping our law-abiding motorists safe – this operation is just a snapshot of this work.
“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 consequences. Cumbria has no place for people who drive like this.
“I would urge all motorists to drive sensibly and make sure you and others get home safe.”