DRINK and drug drivers appear to be no match for Stratford district’s CCTV.
A total of 91 suspects were stopped by Warwickshire Police between April 2023 and May 2024 thanks to Stratford District Council’s eagle-eyed CCTV team.
The team works closely with police and local retail and licensed premises to share information about crime and anti-social behaviour, including suspected drink and drug driving.
They are able to gather evidence and guide police officers to vehicles of suspect impaired drivers. This has led to roadside tests being administered and, where people have been found to be over the drink/drug limits, they have been arrested and subsequently convicted.
SDC’s law spokesperson Coun Natalie Gist said: “Drink and drug driving is illegal and puts lives at risk. When the worst happens, and someone is either injured or killed it not only affects that person but also their loved ones and local communities who have to live with the devastation it causes.
“Do not drink and drive. The CCTV team at Stratford District Council work closely with licensed premises throughout the district and with Warwickshire Police to do their best to ensure that road users who cause a danger to public are brought to justice. Drink and drug driving are very serious offences and will be treated as such by the justice system.”
Inspector Simon Paul, from Warwickshire Police, added: “Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable, and this is reflected in the high number of calls we receive from CCTV operators, businesses and members of the public who call the police concerned that someone may be driving under the influence.
“Every week, officers arrest approximately 15 suspected drink and drug drivers. We know the biggest deterrent to drink and drug driving is being caught and punished and if convicted, these drivers face a minimum one year ban, a fine and costs and a criminal record that could affect their job prospects and ability to travel to certain countries. Drivers convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs could face life imprisonment.
“Officers will continue to target dangerous and irresponsible drivers using the roads and encourage people to report suspected drink or drug drivers to police by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.”
