Police in the Midlands have issued a stark warning to drivers as they ramp up enforcement against drink-driving during the World Cup and summer heat. Three suspects were arrested in Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire, over the weekend, prompting Newark Police to urge motorists: "do not drive" if they have been drinking.
Weekend Arrests Highlight Ongoing Issue
On Saturday, 20 June, at around 6.30pm, officers responded to reports of a vehicle being driven erratically in Allandale, Bilsthorpe. Police located the car and a 54-year-old woman who failed a roadside breathalyser test. She was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
The following night, Sunday, 21 June, at approximately 10pm, police received reports that two cars had been driven away from a pub by people who had been drinking. Both vehicles were found, along with a 42-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, both of whom failed breathalyser tests. The man was further arrested for drug-driving after a drugs wipe revealed traces of cocaine in his system.
Police Message: No Excuse for Drink-Driving
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark, stated: "We know that, as the summer starts and the weather gets hotter, more people will go to the pub for a drink, which is no problem whatsoever. What isn't okay – and never will be acceptable – is when people do this but then decide to get behind the wheel while under the influence."
She added: "As I say, more people will meet out for a drink as it gets warmer, and especially at the moment with the World Cup going on, but I want to make it absolutely clear that drink and drug-driving will not be tolerated. Driving while under the influence puts the safety of everyone – including the person behind the wheel – at risk, so cannot be allowed to happen, for any reason."
Advice for Motorists
Inspector Ellam advised: "If you are thinking of going out for a drink, don't drive but book a taxi, get a bus, or ask someone for a lift instead." She emphasized that officers will respond to any reports of impaired driving and take action.
"Drink or drug-driving is selfish, reckless and has the potential to ruin lives, so I'd encourage anyone who suspects this is taking place to do the right thing and report it to the police via 101," she concluded.
