More than sixty arrests for drink and drug driving in Cumbria
The Roads Policing Unit, launched in October, have caught thirty drivers suspected of being intoxicated by alcohol and thirty-three believed to be influenced by drugs. A portion of the arrested individuals have been released while the officers continue the investigation, however, a few have been subsequently charged with offences. Gordon Stewart, 38, was stopped near Orton in the early hours of December 9.
He is alleged to have been more than twice over the permissible limit for alcohol and was charged with drink driving. Mr Stewart, with no fixed address, is scheduled to appear at Carlisle Magistrates' Court on January 23, 2024. Ashley McCourt, 27, was stopped on December 9 and failed a breathalyser test in the Mayport area.
Mr McCourt, of Gavel Street in Maryport, has been charged with drink driving and is due to appear at Workington Magistrates' Court on January 8, 2024. Daniel Addison, 31, was pulled over on December 10 in the Kendal area, subsequently failing a breathalyser test. Mr Addison of Chapel Field, Burneside, has been charged with drink driving and is expected to attend Barrow[1] Magistrates' Court on January 3, 2024.
Cumbria Police's Roads Policing Unit Inspector Jack Stabler said: "Our officers are on the roads constantly, seeking to prevent a tragedy this Christmas by getting to drink and drug drivers before they cause carnage for themselves and other innocent road users. "There is no excuse for drink and drug driving and the strong penalties for those caught reflect that. "A drink-drive or drug-drive conviction could easily result in the loss of your license and potentially the loss of your employment. "This Christmas, lives will be lost on the country's roads as a result of drink and drug driving.
Before you go out this Christmas and New Year, make sure you plan ahead so you are not tempted to get behind the wheel." As part of the road safety operation, the officers have so far stopped 594 vehicles. Cumbria's Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mike Johnson, said: "There is never an excuse for driving under the influence - not only do you place your own life at risk, you risk the lives of innocent passengers, pedestrians and other drivers.
"This is just a snapshot of what the Road's Policing Unit achieve year-round to keep our roads as safe as possible but it is a community effort. "If you are out drinking or using illegal drugs, make sure you have a designated driver or a safe way home that doesn't involve getting behind the wheel of a car. "The message is clear: if you are caught drink or drug driving you will face the consequences and this could affect your livelihood - it's simply not worth it.
"Please enjoy the festive period sensibly and if you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please call 999."