Durham Constabulary and Northumbria Police launch joint airport campaign to crack down on drink driving

Holidaymakers who decide to drive under the influence once they touch down at the airport are being targeted as part of a new police operation.

The first of its kind in the North East, Operation Take Off sees Durham officers team up with Northumbria Police to take dangerous drivers off the roads.

It is hoped the campaign will make travellers leaving the airport think twice about driving under the influence so further fatalities can be prevented.

It follows the devastating loss of baby Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner who were killed on their way home from the airport in May.

Their killer, Darryl Anderson, had also landed at the airport and selfishly decided to get behind the wheel despite being nearly three times over the drink drive limit.

The 38-year-old had been taking pictures of himself driving his Audi Q5 at speeds of more than 140mph when he ploughed into the back of the Peugeot 308, Zachary and Karlene were in.

Zackary’s mum, Shalorna Warner, was the sole survivor in the Peugeot and has bravely been campaigning for tougher sentences for those who cause these devastating collisions in memory of her son and sister.

It is hoped the new campaign will make travellers leaving the airport think twice about driving under the influence so further fatalities can be prevented.

Out of 80 people breathalysed at the airport today, all drivers tested negative for being over the drink-drive limit. Two of them had alcohol in their system but were below the legal limit.

They were given advice and a warning about how long alcohol can stay in the body.

Inspector Simon Hogg, who led the initiative, said: "My team dealt with the fatal crash in May that horrifically took the lives of baby Zackary and Karlene.

“They were tragically killed by a drink driver who had just stepped off the plane, leaving a family absolutely devastated.

“This was also an awful incident for the emergency services to be involved in and it is something that will live with them forever.

“The message is really clear - it is never ok to drive under the influence. Please don't be tempted to have some last-minute holiday beers and drink on the plane if you will be driving home from the airport – life is too precious.”

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “A split decision to drive while under the influence could ruin countless lives – and tragically, this has been the case for the loved ones of baby Zackary and Karlene.

“The cost of a taxi home is far less than the price you would pay for causing another person serious injury or harm – or even death.

“There is simply no excuse for putting other people at risk – and your ability to drive safely will be massively impaired if you decide to have a drink during your travels.

“We’ll continue to work together with our blue-light colleagues to keep everyone on our roads safe, and crackdown on those flouting the law.”

It is hoped holidaymakers will take heed of the campaign, which will be used throughout the year and particularly in busy holiday months.

The campaign is also being supported by the Police and Crime Commissioners for both Durham and Northumbria.

Durham’s PCC, Joy Allen, said: “Drink or drug driving is a selfish and inexcusable act. It is vital our justice system sufficiently punishes those who recklessly gamble with people’s lives and cause these devastating tragedies to prevent them from harming other innocent people in the future. 

“Zackary’s parents and the whole family has suffered the most unimaginable grief and loss. I cannot put into words how courageous and inspirational they are to take this pain and apply it positively to secure vital changes that will prevent others from enduring the same heartache.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “Nobody should get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs. This proactive policing isn’t about stopping people from having fun, it’s about keeping our communities and roads safe and encouraging people to make responsible choices.

“If you don’t, the consequences can be fatal and so many lives can be left devastated as sadly Zackary’s family know only too well. We just want to save others from going through what they have and I am pleased officers are taking action.”