Arrests made in Leicestershire and Rutland Police’s drink-drive campaign which coincides with Euros

Police officers have launched their summer drink, drug, drive campaign to coincide with the Euro 2024 football championship.

Leicestershire and Rutland Police are encouraging drivers to enjoy the tournament responsibly but reminding people not to drive when they are unfit to do so.

Detective Inspector Steve Kilsby, head of the serious collision investigation unit at Leicestershire and Rutland Police, said: “We know that many people will be looking forward to a month of international football, however, we want to remind drivers to be sensible.

“If you know you are going to be drinking, plan your transport home beforehand. Think about being the designated driver and choose non-alcoholic drinks. Drink and drug driving typically increases during major sporting tournaments as people gather to watch the games.”

However, he reported that in just the first four days of the tournament, 19 people had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Leicestershire and Rutland police are on high alert during the campaign on the lookout for drivers who ignore the warnings.

Kate Garrigan, watch manager community safety at Leicestershire and Rutland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “People who drink and or take drugs, whether illicit or prescription drugs taken without heading the cautions in the guidelines, and then drive, place themselves, their loved ones, other road users and pedestrians at grave, avoidable risk.

“All too often Leicestershire and Rutland Fire and Rescue Service colleagues deal with the devastating consequences of drivers who make these selfish choices when attending road traffic collisions.”

As part of the message the combined resources of Leicestershire and Rutland Police, fire and ambulance services conducted a most realistic training exercise to extract two passengers from a crashed BWM using the ‘jaws of life’.

It took 16 people over half an hour to finally get the two people out of the car.

“While this is a training exercise today, unfortunately, this is all too often the reality that we and the emergency services have to deal with,” said Detective Inspector Kilsby.

“People don’t seem to realise what they put on the line when they drive with alcohol and drugs in their system. Apart from the obvious consequences that they could kill themselves or other innocent people, if you lose your driving license for a minimum of 12 months – mandatory in drink, drug, driving convictions – you could also lose your job, you could lose your home, your family, your insurance premiums will be higher, there will be a hefty fine, you may need to re-take your driving test, you will get a criminal record; the list goes on.”

In 2023, Leicestershire and Rutland Police arrested over 1,600 drink, drug, drivers who were subsequently brought before the courts for conviction.

If you see someone who appears to be a drink or drug driver enter a vehicle to drive away, make a note of the registration plate and the direction of travel and call your local police on 101 or make a make a free and anonymous call to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.