Is your licence worth it?

We are all familiar with the devastating effects that driving under the influence can have. Every year we highlight those who are seriously injured or killed as the result of drink and drug drivers.

This year, we’re focussing on what happens to the everyday drink driver. This person might have had two or three pints at the pub after work, on a Friday night. They might have spent Saturday night at a Christmas party and are driving on Sunday morning whilst still over the limit. They could be popping to the shops after having a glass of wine with their dinner.

They think they’re fine to drive, they’ve only had a few but their ability to assess the road and its risks is significantly reduced.

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies are urging the public to consider #IsYourLicenceWorthIt?

The campaign will run from 1 December 2024 until the 1 January 2025. Our officers will be covering the entire county, breathalysing every driver they stop. When we catch you, you could face six months imprisonment, be fined an unlimited amount and be banned from driving for at least a year.

Chief Inspector Vicky McParland said: “The message is simple – do not drive under the influence.

“It is important to note that alcohol and drugs can stay in your system for longer than you may realise. You could still be under the effects of drugs for days after you have consumed them.

“Losing your licence has a huge impact on your life. Your car insurance costs will rise dramatically and if you have to drive for work, you could lose your job. It may even affect your ability to travel to other countries.”

Driving under the influence is a choice and there are always other options. Could you make your journey by public transport instead? The £2 bus fare cap is running until 31 December 2024. This is an affordable and sustainable way of travelling around the county.

Booking a taxi may seem like an expensive option but it is considerably cheaper than an unlimited fine, court costs and paying to get your licence back after you have been banned.

Ask friends and family for a lift and let them get you home safely.

Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies have secured additional funding from National Highways to purchase drug wipes to be used throughout the campaign. This will expand our testing capability and ultimately increase our chances of detecting drug drivers on our roads.

Lawrence Seager, Regional Safety Programme Manager from National Highways said: “The statistics make it clear: driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs drastically increases the risk of causing a collision.  However, research shows that there is still a misconception that driving under the influence of drugs is acceptable.  I hope the messages within this campaign help road users to understand that is not that case.”

Sarah Taylor, Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, said: “I welcome National Highway’s contribution to the Constabulary’s drug driving testing regime over the winter period. Campaigns like this one are vital if we are to keep educating drivers about the effects of drugs and alcohol on our ability to drive and this support will make a difference over the winter period. By highlighting the potential consequences as this campaign does, people can be reminded to make better or different choices this winter which can only be a good thing.”

We understand that you may be close to someone who regularly gets behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol and this can make it difficult to speak to police. You can report drink and drug driving anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.

In an emergency, always call 999.