Officers have had a busy few days over the weekend of Friday 8 to Monday 11 December arresting drivers they believe are choosing to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs and drive on Warwickshire’s roads. 

Sergeant Simon Dalby said “As well as putting themselves at risk, drink and drug drivers put law abiding road users at an increased risk of harm and will not be tolerated.

“92% of people think drink driving is unacceptable and this is reflected in the high number of calls from CCTV operators, businesses and members of the public who are calling the police because they are concerned that someone may be drinking and driving.   These calls are leading to a growing number of arrests and we are continuing to encourage people to report the details of suspected drink or drug drivers to police by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.

“Those arrested are currently getting court dates in mid-January and this will be hanging over them over Christmas and the New Year.

“Increased patrols are continuing across Warwickshire so our advice is –do not drink or take illegal drugs and drive – it’s not worth it.   Plan ahead and a book a taxi, drink non alcoholic drinks or choose somewhere within walking distance of home.“

Six arrests were made thanks to CCTV operators, National Highways and the public assisting the police:-

A 46 year old man from Rugby was arrested at 22.12hours on 9 December in Drury Lane, Rugby after police were alerted by keen eyed CCTV operators.  They explained that a man had left a pub and got into his car. They monitored his driving and he collided with street furniture whilst trying to turn and they became concerned and called police.  Officers arrived and he collided with another vehicle.  He was stopped by officers and refused to provide a breath test and was arrested.  He was also arrested for driving without a licence and was charged to appear before Warwickshire Magistrates on 26 January 2024.

A 33 year old man from Faringdon, Oxfordshire was arrested at 17.58hours on 8 December on suspicion of drinking and driving on the M6 southbound after police were called by members of the public concerned about his manner of driving.  Officers attended and found the vehicle at the M6 Corley Services Southbound.  After stopping the vehicle, the driver failed a roadside breath test and was later charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates on 19 January 2024.

A 53 year old man from Nottingham was arrested at 01.50hours on 11 December on the M6 between junction 1 and 2 for drink driving after a National Highways officer called police to report a male slumped over the wheel. Officers arrived and woke him up.  He provided a positive breath test and stated he’d pulled over for a snooze.  He was charged with drink driving, driving without insurance and without a licence to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 2 February.

A 37 year old woman from Leamington Spa was arrested at 20.41hours on 8 December on suspicion of drink driving in Lillington Avenue, Leamington Spa after she was involved in a collision with a parked car.  She was detained at the location by a member of the public.  She failed a roadside breath test and was later charged to appear before Warwickshire Magistrates on 26 January.

A 61 year old man from Leamington Spa was arrested at 01.19hours on 9 December on suspicion of drink driving on Clemens Street, Leamington Spa after police were called by CCTV operators that a car was being driven down the High Street and they suspected the driver may be in drink.  Officers stopped the vehicle and the driver failed a roadside breath test.  He is due to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates on 19 January.

A 26 year old man from Stratford-upon-Avon was arrested at 01.45hours 9 December on St Gregorys Street on suspicion of drink driving after a member of the public called police.  Officers followed the vehicle and stopped the driver who failed a roadside breath test but was later released without charge as further tests established the reading was too low.

All drivers who are involved in a collision are breath tested and the following arrests were also made for drink driving as a result:-

A 43 year old man from Nuneaton was arrested at 01.52hours on 10 December on Atherstone Road, Nuneaton following a collision.  He was charged with driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and bailed to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 26 January 2024.  

A 26 year old man from Rugby was arrested at 05.35hours on 10 December in Newbold Road, Rugby when officers on their way to the station came across a driver who had crashed into a lamppost.  He failed a roadside breath test and was later charged with drink driving to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 19 January.

Other drink driving arrests include:-

A 27 year old woman from Bedworth who was arrested at 23.16hours on 9 December on the A444 near Attleborough Arms, Nuneaton after she drove past officers with a headlight not working and they observed her manner of driving.  She was pulled over and spoken to and failed a roadside breath test.  She has been charged to appear before Warwickshire Magistrates on 19 January 2024.

A 37 year old man from Peterborough was arrested at 00.39hours on 10 December on the M6 when officers observed his manner of driving and they decided to stop his vehicle.  They followed him on to the A14 where his vehicle was forcefully stopped and he failed a roadside breath test. He has been charged to appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court on 19 January.

A 43 year old man of no fixed address was arrested at 00.01hours on 10 December on Swan Street, Alcester after police observed his manner of driving on the A46.  He was stopped and failed a roadside breath test.  As well as drink driving he was also arrested for driving without insurance.  He was charged with both offences and is due to appear before Warwickshire Magistrates on 26 January.