Cambs Police confidential drink and drug driving hotline saw August spike

Cambridgeshire Police’s confidential drink and drug driving hotline saw a significant increase in reports during August, with calls more than doubling compared to July.

A total of 56 calls were received over the month, following a targeted online awareness campaign to promote the service - up from 23 the previous month.

Alongside this, officers arrested 66 suspected drink or drug drivers as part of intensified efforts to tackle impaired driving, up from 55 in July.

During the campaign, the force showcased activity across its channels, including a court case which stemmed from a public tip off.

A concerned resident contacted police after seeing a driver stumble into a Mercedes van before driving away.

Officers searched the area and found a man asleep in his van in the road with the engine still running.

He failed to provide a specimen of breath and in court was handed a community order for 12 months, ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Failing to provide a sample of blood, breath or urine for analysis is treated with the same severity as failing the test itself.

PC Adrian Boddington, casualty reduction officer, said: “The rise in hotline reports shows the public are increasingly willing to speak up and help us keep our roads safe.

“Every call is a potential life saved, and we’re grateful to those who did so. Driving under the influence is never worth the risk, and we’ll continue to take robust action against those who do.

“The hotline is confidential, available 24/7, and could prevent a serious collision or even save a life.”

For more information on the law and dangers of drink or drug driving, visit the force’s dedicated web page.