Police in Europe are using tough enforcement to tackle the problem of drivers under the influence of drink and drugs. A series of measures have been employed to enforce drink driving and drug driving regulations across Europe. Police conducted more than 900,000 breath tests in a seven-day operation this summer. Of these, nearly 18,000 drivers tested positive for alcohol. Motorists were also checked for drugs in the operation. In total, 928,863 drivers were checked and there were 17,970 alcohol and 2,773 drug offences detected. In addition, during the operation, police officers detected a total of 3,369 other crimes, including 277 drug detections, 47 cases of human trafficking and 27 firearms offences.
The president of pan-European police body4753 TISPOL is Pasi Kemppainen and he said, “Drug-driving and drink-driving remain significant contributory factors in road deaths. We have made progress in helping make more and more road users aware of the dangers of driving after taking drugs or alcohol, or both. TISPOL remains committed to a partnership approach, working with other road safety stakeholders, governments and road safety organisations to provide effective deterrent messages.”
Results from the operation brought a number of significant statistics from TISPOL. In Hungary, where the alcohol limit is zero, 156 drivers were detected with alcohol levels of up to the limit in most of Europe, with a further 146 drivers detected above this level. In Portugal, of the 892 drivers found to be over the drink-drive limit, 268 provided readings of more than twice the legal limit. In France, 77grammes of cannabis resin was seized, as well as 3.87grammes of marijuana, 5grammes of heroin and a further 1.2kg of cannabis leaves.
The president of pan-European police body
Results from the operation brought a number of significant statistics from TISPOL. In Hungary, where the alcohol limit is zero, 156 drivers were detected with alcohol levels of up to the limit in most of Europe, with a further 146 drivers detected above this level. In Portugal, of the 892 drivers found to be over the drink-drive limit, 268 provided readings of more than twice the legal limit. In France, 77grammes of cannabis resin was seized, as well as 3.87grammes of marijuana, 5grammes of heroin and a further 1.2kg of cannabis leaves.
