Force arrests 300 for drink- or drug-driving

Every drink drive arrest represents a potential tragedy narrowly avoided, says county's casualty reduction officer PC Adrian Boddington

More than 300 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving by Cambridgeshire Police since January.

They included a mother caught drug-driving with her baby in Cambridge and a man who crashed into multiple parked cars in Wisbech.

Officers are reminding people they can call a confidential drink- or drug- drive hotline if they have fear someone might be driving under the influence.

PC Adrian Boddington said: "Every drink-drive arrest represents a potential tragedy narrowly avoided, lives that could have been lost or changed forever."

Cambridgeshire officers have arrested more than 300 people on suspicion of drug- or drink-driving between January and July

The force fears people face "face greater temptations to drink-drive during the summer season, when there are traditionally more planned events".

"Please consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance, so there is no temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit," PC Boddington said.

"Before you get behind the wheel please think – is it really worth the risk?

Other drink- or drug-drivers caught by Cambridgeshire Police this year included a driver in Peterborough who blew twice over the limit after drinking half a bottle of rum on a night out and a drink-driver who crashed into traffic lights in Huntingdon while twice over the limit.

The police force added officers would be "proactively patrolling the county and conducting breathalyser tests this summer".

Convicted drivers face a minimum 12-month driving ban and up to six months in prison.

The confidential hotline number, available 24 hours a day, is 0800 032 0845.