Five arrested in one night for drink and drug driving across South Devon

Five people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences in a single night across South Devon, including one driver involved in a crash with children in the vehicle.

Police officers carried out proactive patrols on Friday 20 March in Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot and Kingsbridge, resulting in a series of arrests linked to impaired driving.

Among the incidents, one person was arrested in Torquay on suspicion of drink driving and child neglect following a collision involving children.

Elsewhere, officers arrested another driver in Torquay on suspicion of drink driving, while in Paignton a further arrest was made for suspected drink driving, with officers also discovering the individual had no licence and no insurance.

In Newton Abbot, one person was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, driving without insurance and obstructing police after attempting to provide false details. Officers later found the individual was wanted for a series of harassment and public order offences.

A fifth arrest was made in Kingsbridge for suspected drink driving.

Inspector Wes Watkins, who leads policing teams in South Devon, said the arrests were not part of a targeted campaign.

“I want to stress that the arrests made last Friday were not part of a targeted operation, but results of standard, proactive patrols carried out by our teams.

“Drugs and alcohol severely impair a driver’s ability to control a vehicle, slow reaction times, affect judgement, and dramatically increase the likelihood of a serious or fatal collision.

“Whilst we know the majority of road users drive safely and abide by laws, it’s disappointing to see this many people breaking the law and taking unnecessary risks in one night.”

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of death and serious injury on the roads, alongside not wearing a seatbelt, travelling at inappropriate speeds, distraction such as mobile phone use, and not being physically or medically fit to drive.

Inspector Watkins added: “Every year, we see families’ lives torn apart by the selfish minority who get behind the wheel with drugs or alcohol in their system; with zero regard for their own safety or the safety of others.

“We will continue to work with our partners to target offenders and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

Police are urging the public to report suspected drink or drug driving by calling 999. Information can also be shared anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.