New Technology For Anti-drink And Drug Driving Campaign

The Metropolitan Police has kicked off the start of what will be the first anti-drink and drug driving campaign in London to see the widespread use of major new technology to capture breath test results.

The new electronic screening devices (ESDs) are highly sophisticated systems that are capable of specific, sensitive readings and will record additional information that has not been possible electronically in the past, such as age and location; this could help to provide a clearer profile of offenders in the future.

Although the systems have been in use for several months, this is the first campaign where they are to be used by all officers from the MPS Traffic Unit. The roll-out will continue across the boroughs over the coming months.

This campaign is run in support of the national drive against drink and drug drivers led by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department of Transport's new THINK! campaign.

Police will be out in force to warn motorists of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, particularly with the temptation of longer evenings and warmer weather during the summer season.

Officers from the Traffic Unit and local borough will carry out a series of dedicated patrols and local operations across London. This includes stepping up on roadside breath tests to test drink driving, and increased use of a series of exercises known as Field Impairment Tests (FITs), designed to test for drugs.

Ch Supt David Snelling, Head of the MPS traffic Unit, said: "Unfortunately every year we continue to find many people who are happy to risk their own lives and other road users by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"This can be a particular problem in the summer months, when people may be out later in the warm evenings and tempted into thinking they will be ok to drive home; in fact alcohol can remain in the body longer than you think, and drivers could still be over the limit the next morning.

"Too many people die on our roads as a result of people drink or drug driving. If you are going to enjoy a few drinks with friends and family, you should always make alternative preparations about how you are going to get home. It is never safe to assume you can drive as normal after a few drinks or taking drugs."

(JM/BMcC)