Wiltshire Police Crack Down on Drink and Drug Drivers with 90 Arrests in December
Biggest Bust Despite COVID-19 Restrictions
Throughout December, Wiltshire Police ran a hard-hitting campaign targeting drink and drug drivers. The operation combined smart intelligence gathering with public awareness to tackle dangerous driving head-on. In total, officers arrested 46 motorists suspected of drink driving and 44 for drug driving.
Most Charged, Some Still Under Investigation
All suspected drug drivers have been released under investigation while awaiting blood test results. Of those arrested for drink driving, 33 have been formally charged, 3 remain under investigation, and 10 were let off with no further action.
Police Warn: Intoxicated Driving Still a Major Problem
Inspector Mark Freeman, who leads Wiltshire’s roads policing unit, said: “Even with COVID restrictions reducing socialising, the arrest numbers show drink and drug driving is still a big problem across Wiltshire. This campaign may have ended, but our crackdown won’t.”
He added: “We urge the public to keep providing vital information so we can get dangerous drivers off the roads. If you’re worried about someone, please call us.”
Shocking Stories from the Streets
Sergeant Neil Bott revealed some eye-opening incidents during the operation:
- 15 arrests followed road traffic collisions, including crashes into walls, ditches, and fields.
- One driver rammed into an ambulance while fleeing police.
- Another was caught driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
- A driver even tried to fool breathalyser tests by spraying aftershave into their mouth.
- One arrest was for driving impaired despite being technically below the legal alcohol limit.
“If your driving is impaired by drugs or alcohol, you can still be charged—even if your blood level is below the limit. Don’t take the risk,” Sgt Bott warned.
Police Plea: Report Dangerous Drivers
If you suspect someone regularly drink or drug drives, don’t stay silent. Call 101 with as much info as you can: driver description, car registration, and usual times of offending.
And if you witness someone driving dangerously right now, call 999 immediately.
