Drink and drug-drivers targeted in Christmas crackdown

Hundreds of people have been arrested for drink or drug-driving in south-east England since the start of December.

The annual Christmas road safety campaign has seen 454 arrests in Kent, Sussex and Surrey so far this month.

Kent Police has made 199 arrests, Sussex Police has made 155 arrests and Surrey Police has made 100 arrests.

PC Callum Tennant from Kent Police said: "Our message to people is do not risk it. You will injure or kill someone."

As part of the action so far, Kent's Roads Policing Unit arrested a group of teenagers suspected of driving a stolen car at high speeds and failing to stop.

A suspected drug-driver crashed into a school sign in Sussex.

The vehicle was brought to a halt by police using a stinger in Dartford. The suspects fled the scene on foot.

The vehicle they were driving had remnants of cannabis in it - and a gas mask.

The group has been bailed, but investigations are ongoing into the possession of class A and class B drugs.

A gas mask and evidence of cannabis was found after a suspected stolen car failed to stop

PC Tennant said: "We unfortunately go to a lot of fatal crashes in the role we do, and see people die through drink and drug-driving, and have to tell their families that their loved ones are dead.

"To get these people off the street is a massive result for us. It minimises the risk to the public and makes sure that anyone who uses the road network is safe."

Meanwhile in Sussex, 40 collisions have been recorded on the roads in the festive action against drink and drug-drivers.

Head of Roads Policing, Supt Rachel Glenton said: "Since we started our campaign there have been dozens of drivers who have risked causing similar serious harm to themselves or to other innocent members of the public on our roads."

Lily Lockwood with her grandmother Kim Wilkins

Lily Lockwood, 10, from Dartford, was killed by a speeding drug-driver in July 2021.

Her grandmother Kim Wilkins is urging people not to drive under the influence.

She said: "It's such a selfish thing to do. You destroy lives.

"It's massive not to have your child here to celebrate Christmas. We will never be the same again. When I took that phone call that night, I couldn't believe it. We relive this all the time."

Her killer Gavin Prodger, 50, was convicted of drug-driving twice after the crash before he was jailed.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Drivers caught above the legal limit risk up to six months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban.

They could face up to 14 years' in prison if they cause a death while drink or drug-driving.

Insp David Crompton from Kent Police said: "We take a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug-driving at all times of the year, and this campaign helps to put the focus onto tackling this type of offending.

"Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a completely avoidable offence that places innocent members of the public in unnecessary danger."

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