Drink driving: UK police send warning after increase in arrests

Britons could lose up to £70,000 for breaking one driving law this summer.

Road users have been warned they could lose the eye-watering fee if they are caught drinking or driving behind the wheel.

According to The Institute of Advanced Motorists, a drink or drive conviction could reach a staggering amount due to the likely financial loss.

On top of fines, drivers will also need to splash out on solicitors fees, increased car insurance and loss of earnings.

Meanwhile, Northamptonshire Police has warned drivers who cause a death while driving drunk or under the influence of drugs are likely to face a lengthy prison sentence.

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Motorists could be locked up for 14 years while those who were lucky enough not to hurt anyone else could still face six months behind bars. Those caught out will also be slapped with an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban.

Inspector Ian Wills, spokesperson for Northamptonshire Police Roads Policing Team explained: “We know people think they’re good drivers and it won’t happen to them. However, that is what others have also thought who have ended up in our cells, in hospital or worse. It only takes a few seconds to have a collision which can change your life forever.

“It is not our intention to stop people from having fun, our intention is to try and ensure that everyone gets home safely by stopping a selfish minority being reckless and irresponsible on our roads.

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“Also, if you know you will be drinking and relying upon another driver to get you home safely then please ensure that they stay drug-free and sober. Drink or drug driving is simply not worth the risk.

“Catching drug and drink drivers is part of our daily business, every day of the year. So, our message is simple – make the right choices this summer and never drive when you’ve had a drink or when under the influence of drugs.”

The warning comes ahead of a crackdown from Northamptonshire Police set to start next week. From Monday, Roads Policing officers will be joined by the Force’s Safer Roads Team to reinforce the message.

Last year, data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) revealed over 75,000 drug and drink offences were recorded in 2021.

This equated to a whopping 206 every day which has led to a seven percent rise in the number of deaths.

Drug driving convictions have trebled since 2017 while drink driving cases were up 13 percent in 12 months.

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