Car Seen In Ditch As Kent Police Make More Than 100 Drink And Drug Driving Arrests In Run-up To Christmas

Bodycam footage shows a car in a ditch amid a police crackdown on drink and drug driving in the run-up to Christmas.

Officers have made more than 100 arrests so far this month during the countywide enforcement campaign.

In one incident, a car struck a tree and ended up in a ditch in Crook Road, Brenchley, near Tonbridge, on December 5.

A 39-year-old failed a roadside breath test, was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the legal limit for alcohol and has since been released on bail.

Meanwhile, in Broadstairs, police were called at 8.40am on December 1 when a parked vehicle was hit.

A drug wipe was carried out on the driver, who tested positive for traces of cannabis and cocaine.

The 19-year-old from Margate was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and later released on bail pending further enquiries.

A car hit a tree and ended up in a ditch in Brenchley near Tonbridge. Picture: Kent Police

A parked car was hit in Broadstairs and a 19-year-old was arrested. Picture: Kent Police

On December 4, officers saw a van swerving along the A20 in Charing, near Ashford.

The driver – a 58-year-old man from Faversham – told officers he had stopped drinking at about 1am but the alcohol was still in his system and he failed a roadside breath test.

He was later charged with driving over the legal limit for alcohol.

In total, 107 arrests have been made since the start of the month.

Chief Inspector Craig West said: “Our message to motorists in the run-up to Christmas is simple. If you are planning to drive then please do not drink alcohol or take drugs before you do, or you risk being involved in a serious or fatal collision.

Near Charing, a man was charged with driving over the limit after being seen swerving on the A20. Picture: Kent Police

“Even if you were out the night before, do not assume it is safe to get behind the wheel the following morning because often it is not and you will be arrested if caught.

“Our officers will continue to patrol Kent’s roads throughout the rest of the campaign and beyond, and will not hesitate to take action against anyone reckless enough to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

“They are also making sure to check on any other passengers who are present, to ensure any further concerns can be investigated as part of the force’s commitment to child protection and tackling violence against women and girls.”

#Car #ditch #Kent #Police #drink #drug #driving #arrests #runup #Christmas