A TOTAL of 61 drivers were arrested in a week for drink and/or drug driving by Avon and Somerset Police as part of a national policing operation to cut fatal and serious road traffic collisions (RTCs).

The figure for August 21 to 27 was 20 per cent up on the same week last year, despite police warnings there is no safe way to drive under the influence.

Drink driving accounted for 40 of the offences, drug driving 21.

Patrols were carried out by roads policing, neighbourhood officers and special constables, while the public phoned or went online to report offenders.

One incident included reports of a van being driven erratically on the M5. When stopped, the driver, who appeared to be on his mobile phone, failed a breathalyser test.

A 12-week-old cocker spaniel puppy in the vehicle was taken into the care of a vet overnight while his owner was in custody.

The week-long operation resulted in several other road related and criminal offences being detected, including speeding, driving without a licence or insurance, illegal drugs possession and going equipped to steal.

In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug factor and involved 12 deaths.

Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, head of road policing and road safety, said: "In a single week, 61 drivers have been taken off the road before they could cause harm through drink or drug driving.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it’s a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk.

"The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones.

“As we head into the autumn, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority every day of the year.

“I am grateful for the support of the general public who are helping us to target offenders by sharing information when they suspect drink or drug driving is happening."

Drivers caught over the limit risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and substantial driving ban.

Causing death by careless driving while under the influence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

During the week-long operation, drivers in the 35-44 age group accounted for 20 arrests; 25-34-year-olds 19; and under-25s 15 arrests; 83 per cent of those arrested were male.

Report drink/drug drivers at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or call 101 or 999 if someone is currently driving under the influence. Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23777960.61-arrests-week-long-drink-drug-driving-operation/

Police: 3000 burglaries a day NFA

Due to lack of resources the police in E&W are closing more than a million
cases of burglary and theft every year with NFA after the initial report.

This is the time to ask the question as to whether the police can afford to
follow up on ‘cases’ where a driver has not collided with a cyclist.

Freeing up these officers would mean they could be deployed on at least a
basic follow-up to a report of a burglary or theft, as it is known that
once burgled, the chances of a repeat of the crime is a staggering 25%, and
effective action can be taken to mitigate against this, especially when
police officer offers advice on countermeasures. At present, conviction
rates are very low.

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> A TOTAL of 61 drivers were arrested in a week for drink and/or drug
> driving by Avon and Somerset Police as part of a national policing
> operation to cut fatal and serious road traffic collisions (RTCs).
>
> The figure for August 21 to 27 was 20 per cent up on the same week last
> year, despite police warnings there is no safe way to drive under the influence.
>
> Drink driving accounted for 40 of the offences, drug driving 21.
>
> Patrols were carried out by roads policing, neighbourhood officers and
> special constables, while the public phoned or went online to report offenders.
>
> One incident included reports of a van being driven erratically on the
> M5. When stopped, the driver, who appeared to be on his mobile phone,
> failed a breathalyser test.
>
> A 12-week-old cocker spaniel puppy in the vehicle was taken into the care
> of a vet overnight while his owner was in custody.
>
> The week-long operation resulted in several other road related and
> criminal offences being detected, including speeding, driving without a
> licence or insurance, illegal drugs possession and going equipped to steal.
>
> In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug
> factor and involved 12 deaths.
>
> Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, head of road policing and road safety,
> said: "In a single week, 61 drivers have been taken off the road before
> they could cause harm through drink or drug driving.
>
> “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal,
> it’s a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk.
>
> "The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing
> irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones.
>
> “As we head into the autumn, we are not easing up on our campaign against
> drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority every day of the year.
>
> “I am grateful for the support of the general public who are helping us
> to target offenders by sharing information when they suspect drink or
> drug driving is happening."
>
> Drivers caught over the limit risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an
> unlimited fine and substantial driving ban.
>
> Causing death by careless driving while under the influence carries a
> maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
>
> During the week-long operation, drivers in the 35-44 age group accounted
> for 20 arrests; 25-34-year-olds 19; and under-25s 15 arrests; 83 per cent
> of those arrested were male.
>
> Report drink/drug drivers at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or call
> 101 or 999 if someone is currently driving under the influence. Reports
> can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
>
> https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23777960.61-arrests-week-long-drink-drug-driving-operation/
>
>

--
Spike

Not quite sure where the cyclist was involved in this incident.

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> A Milford roofer has been ordered off the roads after driving over Hakin
> Bridge when he was more than four times over the specified drug-drive limit.

s://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23778758.milford-roofer-admits-drug-driving-hakin-bridge/

--
Spike

Spike <aero.spike@btinternet.invalid> wrote:
>
> Not quite sure where the cyclist was involved in this incident.
>
> swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
>> A Milford roofer has been ordered off the roads after driving over Hakin
>> Bridge when he was more than four times over the specified drug-drive limit.
>
> s://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23778758.milford-roofer-admits-drug-driving-hakin-bridge/

oops…

https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23778758.milford-roofer-admits-drug-driving-hakin-bridge/

--
Spike

A man has died after he was hit by a car driven by a man suspected of taking drugs.

Road closures are in place around Harrow Road, a short distance to Maida Hill, following a crash in which a pedestrian was hit this morning (September 10) at 3.50am.

Officers were called near to Royal Oak station and a man, in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers, the Metropolitan Police said.

The car, a Blue Mercedes C300, stopped at the scene.
Recommended by

Police say the driver, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Harrow Road eastbound remains closed between Bourne Terrace and Westbourne Terrace Road, with a large section of road taped off by police beside Westbourne Green, underneath the A40 Westway flyover.

Both the 18 and 36 bus routes are being diverted from the scene.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 1453/10SEP23, or message @MetCC via X, formerly known as Twitter.

On 10/09/2023 01:10 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> A TOTAL of 61 drivers were arrested in a week for drink and/or drug driving by Avon and Somerset Police as part of a national policing operation to cut fatal and serious road traffic collisions (RTCs).
>
> The figure for August 21 to 27 was 20 per cent up on the same week last year, despite police warnings there is no safe way to drive under the influence.
>
> Drink driving accounted for 40 of the offences, drug driving 21.
>
> Patrols were carried out by roads policing, neighbourhood officers and special constables, while the public phoned or went online to report offenders.
>
> One incident included reports of a van being driven erratically on the M5. When stopped, the driver, who appeared to be on his mobile phone, failed a breathalyser test.
>
> A 12-week-old cocker spaniel puppy in the vehicle was taken into the care of a vet overnight while his owner was in custody.
>
> The week-long operation resulted in several other road related and criminal offences being detected, including speeding, driving without a licence or insurance, illegal drugs possession and going equipped to steal.
>
> In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug factor and involved 12 deaths.
>
> Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, head of road policing and road safety, said: "In a single week, 61 drivers have been taken off the road before they could cause harm through drink or drug driving.
>
> “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it’s a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk.
>
> "The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones.
>
> “As we head into the autumn, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority every day of the year.
>
> “I am grateful for the support of the general public who are helping us to target offenders by sharing information when they suspect drink or drug driving is happening."
>
> Drivers caught over the limit risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and substantial driving ban.
>
> Causing death by careless driving while under the influence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
>
> During the week-long operation, drivers in the 35-44 age group accounted for 20 arrests; 25-34-year-olds 19; and under-25s 15 arrests; 83 per cent of those arrested were male.
>
> Report drink/drug drivers at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or call 101 or 999 if someone is currently driving under the influence. Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
>
> https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/23777960.61-arrests-week-long-drink-drug-driving-operation/

So WHAT are you complaining about now?

On 10/09/2023 04:17 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> A Milford roofer has been ordered off the roads after driving over Hakin Bridge when he was more than four times over the specified drug-drive limit.
>
> Leon Hackett was stopped by police officers as he drove his Honda Civic across the bridge on March 30.
>
> A roadside breath test proved positive and Hackett was conveyed to the police custody suite where blood tests gave the lowest reading of 9.8mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. The specified legal limit is 2.
>
> “When officers spoke to him, he told them that he hadn’t used cannabis for a long time,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan informed Haverfordwest magistrates earlier this week.
>
> “But he then told went on to tell them that he’d used it two days previously.”
>
> Hacket, 24, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston pleaded guilty to the charge of drug-driving. He was legally represented in court by Mr David James.
>
> “This is a young man of effectively clean character who was stopped driving when he was in a queue of traffic along Hakin Bridge,” he said.
>
> Mr James went on to say that Hackett is employed as a roofer although he hasn’t worked since August.
>
> “The company he works for is currently on a contract in Scotland, and my client was unable to accept that,” he said.
>
> “As a result, he hasn’t worked since August.”
>
> After considering the facts, magistrates disqualified Hackett from driving for 12 months.
>
> He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and an £80 surcharge.
>
> https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23778758.milford-roofer-admits-drug-driving-hakin-bridge/

So what is your complaint about?

On 10/09/2023 04:41 pm, Spike wrote:
>
> Not quite sure where the cyclist was involved in this incident.
>
> swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
>> A Milford roofer has been ordered off the roads after driving over Hakin
>> Bridge when he was more than four times over the specified drug-drive limit.
>
> s://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/23778758.milford-roofer-admits-drug-driving-hakin-bridge/

The chav on the bike?

That's the druggie roofer.

Riding a chav-bike is all he's currently qualified for.

But he DOES have every requisite qualification for that, including
self-centredness and a total disregard for other road-users.

A man has been arrested after allegedly crashing into three other vehicles in a series of collisions on the M40. Police were called to the scene earlier today (Sunday, September 10).

Officers identified a suspect at Warwick Services where he is alleged to have spat at an officer who asked him to provide a drug swipe, said Warwickshire Police. He was detained at around 8.35am.

Police have now confirmed that the 44-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, assaulting an emergency worker and driving under the influence of drugs. Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to call 101.

A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact police by going to www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/drug-driving-suspect-arrested-after-27688787

So where was the cyclist?

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> A man has been arrested after allegedly crashing into three other
> vehicles in a series of collisions on the M40. Police were called to the
> scene earlier today (Sunday, September 10).
>
> Officers identified a suspect at Warwick Services where he is alleged to
> have spat at an officer who asked him to provide a drug swipe, said
> Warwickshire Police. He was detained at around 8.35am.
>
> Police have now confirmed that the 44-year-old man, from Birmingham, was
> arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, assaulting an emergency
> worker and driving under the influence of drugs. Anyone with information
> about the incident has been asked to call 101.
>
> A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Officers are appealing for any
> witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact police by going to
> www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. Alternatively, information
> can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
>
> https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/drug-driving-suspect-arrested-after-27688787
>

--
Spike

And the cyclist?

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> A man has died after he was hit by a car driven by a man suspected of taking drugs.
>
> Road closures are in place around Harrow Road, a short distance to Maida
> Hill, following a crash in which a pedestrian was hit this morning
> (September 10) at 3.50am.
>
> Officers were called near to Royal Oak station and a man, in his 50s, was
> pronounced dead at the scene.
>
> The man’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist
> officers, the Metropolitan Police said.
>
> The car, a Blue Mercedes C300, stopped at the scene.
> Recommended by
>
> Police say the driver, a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of
> causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
>
> Harrow Road eastbound remains closed between Bourne Terrace and
> Westbourne Terrace Road, with a large section of road taped off by police
> beside Westbourne Green, underneath the A40 Westway flyover.
>
> Both the 18 and 36 bus routes are being diverted from the scene.
>
> Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to call police on
> 101, quoting CAD 1453/10SEP23, or message @MetCC via X, formerly known as Twitter.
>
>
>

--
Spike

On 10/09/2023 09:58 pm, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:
> A man has been arrested after allegedly crashing into three other vehicles in a series of collisions on the M40. Police were called to the scene earlier today (Sunday, September 10).
>
> Officers identified a suspect at Warwick Services where he is alleged to have spat at an officer who asked him to provide a drug swipe, said Warwickshire Police. He was detained at around 8.35am.
>
> Police have now confirmed that the 44-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, assaulting an emergency worker and driving under the influence of drugs. Anyone with information about the incident has been asked to call 101.
>
> A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact police by going to www.warwickshire.police.uk/report or call 101. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
>
> https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/drug-driving-suspect-arrested-after-27688787

Do let us know what the court decides... yes?

Avon and Somerset Police arrested 61 drivers for driving under the influence of drink and / or drugs as part of a national policing operation, aimed at reducing fatal and serious Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs) and protecting other road users, which ran between 21 and 27 August.

This was a 20 per cent increase on the number of arrests made during the same week in 2022, despite police warnings and reminders that there is no safe way to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Drink driving accounted for 40 of the offences, and drug driving for 21.

Patrols were carried out by roads policing, neighbourhood officers and special constables, whose efforts were supported by the public with numerous reports of people drink or drug driving submitted by telephone and via the Avon and Somerset Police website.

On Sunday 27 September, several 999 calls were made by concerned motorists reporting a van driving erratically on the M5 near junction 20. When stopped by officers, the driver was seen holding a mobile phone and appeared to be on a call. He was breathalysed, arrested and subsequently charged with using a handheld mobile device whilst driving a motor vehicle on a road and driving a motor vehicle when alcohol level was above the limit.

A 12-week-old cocker spaniel puppy who was being transported in the vehicle was taken into the care of a local vet overnight while his owner was held in custody.

In addition to drink and drug drive offences, the operation also resulted in several other road related and criminal offences being detected and dealt with, including speeding, driving without a licence or insurance, illegal drugs possession and going equipped to steal.

In 2021, a third of RTCs in Avon and Somerset had a drink and/or drug factor. They involved the deaths of 12 people, all of whom had families, friends and loved ones whose lives will be forever impacted.

Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, Head of Road Policing and Road Safety at Avon and Somerset Police said: “In a single week, 61 drivers have been taken off the road before they could cause harm through drink or drug driving.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it’s a reckless and dangerous choice that puts lives at risk. The consequences of such decisions can be catastrophic, causing irreversible harm and heartache to families and loved ones.

“As we head into the autumn, we are not easing up on our campaign against drink or drug drivers – keeping our roads safe is our priority every day of the year.

“I am grateful for the support of the general public who are helping us to target offenders by sharing information when they suspect drink or drug driving is happening. By doing this, you are helping us to reinforce the message that getting behind the wheel while under the influence is never acceptable. Together we are keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safer.”

Drivers risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

During this summer’s operation, drivers in the 35-44 age group accounted for around a third (20) of arrests, followed by 25-34-year-olds (19) and under-25-year-olds (15 arrests). 83 per cent of all those arrested were male.

Information about drink/drug drivers can be reported online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report or by calling 101 (always 999 in an emergency and if someone is currently driving under the influence of drink or drugs). Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Independent alcohol advice, information, and tools to help people make better choices about their drinking can be found at www.drinkaware.co.uk

https://www.mnrjournal.co.uk/news/999/in-a-single-week-61-drivers-were-taken-off-the-road-due-to-drink-or-drug-driving-says-as-police-637805

swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:

> https://www.mnrjournal.co.uk/news/999/in-a-single-week-61-drivers-were-taken-off-the-road-due-to-drink-or-drug-driving-says-as-police-637805

Article based on the same police statement was posted by Mason yesterday at
13:10.

--
Spike

A drink and drug driver who killed a girl in a car crash just hours after meeting her in a nightclub has had his sentence increased after it was found to be "unduly lenient".

Keilan Roberts admitted four offences relating to the death of Chloe Hayman, 17, who was a passenger in his car when it crashed in the early hours of 24 July 2022.

Roberts, now 22, had consumed alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy before getting behind the wheel of his Skoda Octavia following a night out in Pontypridd, South Wales.

He was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court for three years and nine months and banned from driving for 10 years in June.

However, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) challenged the sentence as being "insufficient" and "unduly lenient" at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Thursday.

Lord Justice Popplewell, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Bryan, ruled on Friday that there had been an "error" in the sentencing judge's approach and increased the total sentence to five years and three months.

The period of disqualification from driving was also increased to 12 years and seven-and-a-half months.

Roberts, of Rhymney, South Wales, had not met Chloe before the evening of the crash and offered to take her to her home in Tonypandy after arguing with his girlfriend, Cardiff Crown Court had earlier been told.

The driver lost control of his car in the village of Fochriw before colliding with protective railings on a cattle grid.

The railings "pierced the windscreen" of the car and left Chloe with fatal chest injuries.

She died at the scene.

Roberts later pleaded guilty to four counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence, with each charge reflecting the substances he had taken.

https://news.sky.com/story/drug-driver-who-killed-teenage-girl-in-crash-has-unduly-lenient-sentence-increased-12957448

On 11/09/2023 11:18 am, swldx...@gmail.com wrote:

> A drink and drug driver who killed a girl in a car crash just hours after meeting her in a nightclub has had his sentence increased after it was found to be "unduly lenient".
> Keilan Roberts admitted four offences relating to the death of Chloe Hayman, 17, who was a passenger in his car when it crashed in the early hours of 24 July 2022.
> Roberts, now 22, had consumed alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy before getting behind the wheel of his Skoda Octavia following a night out in Pontypridd, South Wales.
> He was jailed at Cardiff Crown Court for three years and nine months and banned from driving for 10 years in June.

So was he OK to drive January-May inclusive and July-December inclusive?

After he gets out, of course...

[What is with newspapers? Why do they always get their least literate
employee to write about traffic accidents?

> However, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) challenged the sentence as being "insufficient" and "unduly lenient" at a Court of Appeal hearing in London on Thursday.
> Lord Justice Popplewell, sitting with Mr Justice Lavender and Mr Justice Bryan, ruled on Friday that there had been an "error" in the sentencing judge's approach and increased the total sentence to five years and three months.
> The period of disqualification from driving was also increased to 12 years and seven-and-a-half months.

Ooh... does that cover twelve Junes or thirteen of them?

> Roberts, of Rhymney, South Wales, had not met Chloe before the evening of the crash and offered to take her to her home in Tonypandy after arguing with his girlfriend, Cardiff Crown Court had earlier been told.
> The driver lost control of his car in the village of Fochriw before colliding with protective railings on a cattle grid.
> The railings "pierced the windscreen" of the car and left Chloe with fatal chest injuries.
> She died at the scene.
> Roberts later pleaded guilty to four counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence, with each charge reflecting the substances he had taken.
>
> https://news.sky.com/story/drug-driver-who-killed-teenage-girl-in-crash-has-unduly-lenient-sentence-increased-12957448

"Roberts, now 22, had consumed alcohol, cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy
before getting behind the wheel...".

Sounds more like a chav-cyclist than a qualified driver, doesn't he?

Still... that's all he'll be (a chav cyclist) for more than seven years
after he gets out. Except in June, of course.

On 11/09/2023 09:19 am, Spike wrote:
> swldx...@gmail.com <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> https://www.mnrjournal.co.uk/news/999/in-a-single-week-61-drivers-were-taken-off-the-road-due-to-drink-or-drug-driving-says-as-police-637805
>
> Article based on the same police statement was posted by Mason yesterday at
> 13:10.

Orgasms... he's found them addictive.