NEARLY 80 motorists were arrested or reported to court for drink or drug driving during a two week crack down by Wiltshire Police.

Between August 9 and 31 officers arrested 32 drivers on suspicion of driving while over the legal alcohol limit and 36 for drug driving.

Three drivers were arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and eight drivers were reported to court for drink or drug driving after being taken to hospital following a road traffic collision.

Inspector Mark Freeman said: “Previously, we have perhaps focused our attentions on people who are out and about drinking in social situations, such as a trip to the pub or a night out on the town.

“However, due to Covid-19, we know that the many people aren’t currently socialising in the same way. Perhaps they are drinking at home or at friends’ houses, and we don’t want the public to become complacent and forget that these are still situations which could leave you over the limit.

“You might end up consuming more alcohol due to pouring your own measures or having your drink topped up.”

He added: “Our message to you is this – if you are going to be drinking alcohol then it is not worth getting behind the wheel.

“The dangers of driving while intoxicated are very real and you could end up seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.”

Sergeant Will Ayres said that although the vast majority of people understood the law around drink driving, there was less awareness of drug driving.

He said: “We have seen an increase in drug driving, particularly when motorists have taken cannabis or cocaine.

“I think there is a real lack of awareness about how easily your driving can be impaired by illegal drugs, how long the drugs can remain in your system and the potential consequences of being caught drug driving.”