Police target drink-driving as millions of motorists risk arrests during World Cup

Nottinghamshire Police have issued a stark warning over drink and drug-driving after several motorists were arrested in the village of Bilsthorpe over the weekend.

Officers responded to a series of reports from members of the public who suspected drivers were behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The arrests took place across Saturday and Sunday last week and involved two women and one man, all of whom failed roadside tests carried out by police.

Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said the incidents highlighted a common problem seen during the summer months when more people head out to pubs and social events.

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While stressing that there was nothing wrong with enjoying a drink, she made it clear that driving afterwards was completely unacceptable.

She said: "What isn't okay and never will be acceptable is when people do this but then decide to get behind the wheel while under the influence."

The first arrest came on Saturday evening after officers received reports of a vehicle being driven erratically in Allandale, Bilsthorpe.

Police attended the area at around 6.30pm after concerns were raised about the manner in which the vehicle was being driven.

Officers quickly located both the car and its driver and suspected the woman behind the wheel may have been under the influence of alcohol.

A roadside breathalyser test was carried out, and the driver failed the test, prompting the 54-year-old to be arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Less than 24 hours later, officers were again called into action after receiving reports that two vehicles had left a local pub, being driven by people who had been drinking.

The information prompted an immediate police response, with officers locating both vehicles at around 10pm on Sunday night.

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They were identified as a 42-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman. Both were subjected to roadside breath tests, and both failed, leading to arrests.

The male suspect was also arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a roadside drugs wipe indicated traces of cocaine in his system.

All three arrests were made following reports from concerned members of the public, underlining the role local residents can play in helping police tackle dangerous driving.

Inspector Ellam said officers would continue to respond robustly to reports of impaired drivers and warned that anyone caught breaking the law could expect action to be taken.

The district commander acknowledged that the ongoing World Cup was likely encouraging more people to gather in pubs and bars to watch matches, but stressed this did not excuse drink or drug-driving.

She said: "I want to make it absolutely clear that drink and drug-driving will not be tolerated. Driving while under the influence puts the safety of everyone, including the person behind the wheel, at risk, so it cannot be allowed to happen, for any reason."

Inspector Ellam urged anyone planning to drink alcohol to make alternative travel arrangements rather than driving themselves, including booking a taxi, taking public transport or arranging a lift with a friend or family member.

"As shown by the three arrests made over the weekend, our officers will respond to any reports of this nature we receive and will take action should we suspect impaired driving is taking place," she added.

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