Drug drivers targeted in Op Spotlight
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Durham Roads & Armed Policing Team led Operation Spotlight last month which was specifically aimed to target drug drivers along with those drivers who selfishly put others at risk on our roads.
Over the course of the month, a total of 2,729 Fatal Four offences were recorded – these include speeding, using a mobile phone, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and not wearing your seatbelt.
Results included:
• 63 arrests for drug driving
• 40 arrests for drink driving
• 19 arrests for being unfit to drive
• 9 disqualified drivers
• 8 drivers without a licence
• 1 arrest for burglary
• 3 arrests for dangerous driving
• 24 drivers with no insurance
• 109 vehicles seized
Sadly, officers had to attend four fatal road traffic collisions over the course of the operation where the Fatal Four played a part – this is four too many.
The operation was supported by the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner who purchased 50 of the 133 drug wipes used during the campaign which also included a dedicated weekend over Easter aptly named Operation Bonnet.
Strategic Roads Policing Inspector, Andy Howarth, said: “We know the Fatal Four dramatically increases a driver’s risk of a collision and causing serious harm or death which is why we work all-year-round to stop selfish people like this and take them off our roads.
“Unfortunately this operation shows that some drivers continue to ignore our message and sadly, four people have lost their lives as a result. Lives that have been cut short unnecessarily.
“Knocking on the door of a person’s loved ones and delivering this devastating news is quite possibly the hardest part of being a police officer which is why we will never stop trying to get this message across.
“Slow down, put your phone down, don’t drink or drug drive and belt up. Life is precious.”