WEST MIDLANDS Police will be targeting drink and drug drivers who put themselves and others at risk on the roads during the World Cup.
West Midlands Police have launched an operation to tackle the ‘potentially lethal’ combination of football and alcohol.
The campaign is particularly concerned with those who recklessly get behind the wheel after drinking while watching matches including England’s first match tonight against Tunisia.
Inspector Jack Boardman, said: “We have all seen the potentially fatal combination of drink or drugs and driving and our priority is to keep everyone safe.
“Of course we want everyone to enjoy the World Cup and cheer on their nation; it is the biggest global football tournament and will be widely watched by fans from our diverse communities across the West Midlands.
“But we know it creates the extra temptation to go out and watch games with a drink so we are urging people to be responsible.
“Either drop the car or alcohol from your plans as together they can have truly devastating consequences.”
Officers from West Midlands Police and Central Motorway Group (CMPG) will be carrying out roadside breath tests.
Police have warned that those who put their own safety – and other road users – at risk face penalty points, losing their licence or even time behind bars.
The operation will also see officers armed with drug testing kits to check those suspected of being under the influence of illegal substances.
In the last 12 months, there were over 3,000 people arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving, according to the force.
Police say they will also stop those suspected of still being over-the-limit in the mornings.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, added: “Getting behind the wheel whilst high or drunk is the most dangerous thing a driver can do. It’s a reckless and selfish act.
“I am hugely supportive of the effort being made by West Midlands Police to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by drink and drug driving over the summer.
“I know the overwhelming majority of law-abiding motorists back it too.”
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
