Suffolk Police have highlighted the impact of their Christmas drink and drug driving campaign after a motorist was caught driving over the legal alcohol limit in Leiston.
Officers stopped a vehicle in the town earlier this month after concerns about the standard of driving. The driver was breathalysed at the roadside and gave a reading of 70 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — double the legal limit of 35.
The driver was arrested and taken into custody, where an evidential breath test recorded a reading of 68 micrograms. They were later charged with driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.
As part of the festive enforcement campaign, the case was dealt with swiftly. The driver appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court the following morning, where they were disqualified from driving for 20 months. They were also ordered to pay a total of £627, covering fines, court costs and a victim surcharge.
Police say the Christmas campaign focuses on targeting drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with the aim of keeping all road users safe during the festive period.
Officers are continuing patrols across East Suffolk and are urging motorists to plan ahead, reminding drivers that drink or drug driving puts lives at risk and will be dealt with robustly.
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