The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Lincolnshire police are asking for people’s help to crack down on drink and drug driving this Christmas.
The force launched its annual festive campaign on Monday by encouraging people to text information to them which will help them arrest people who get behind the wheel while they are unfit to do so.
Members of the public will be able to report someone they suspect of drink driving using a short code SMS text service.
All they will have to do is text the word DRINK to 80800 with details of the vehicle, (registration) where the person will be drinking and when.
Police officers will use the information to stop, arrest and process the driver through the courts.
This is only to be used for non-emergency cases.
If members of the public see a drink/drug driver actually driving, they should treat it as an emergency and call 999.
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick welcomed the campaign.
He said “In my view, any initiative to prevent the harm caused by alcohol is welcome.
“I am a huge supporter of the text a drink driver campaign.
“There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for being in charge of a car, which is potentially a lethal weapon, having consumed excess alcohol.”
Drivers are being reminded that police will be carrying out roadside breath tests at all times of the day, including the mornings when some drivers could possibly still be over the limit because of the alcohol they consumed the night before.
With the use of FIT (Field Impairment Test) officers will be testing drivers for the effects of drugs as well as drink during this campaign.
