More than 90 people were arrested during a month-long crackdown on driving offences by Suffolk police, which saw more than 4,500 people caught speeding. 

The Fatal Four campaign ran throughout July and targeted drivers believed to be drink or drug driving, using a mobile phone, speeding and not wearing a seat belt.

According to Suffolk police, the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads in July increase by over 20 per cent based on the average across the year, in data collated from 2018 to 2022.

Inspector Gary Miller responded to the results of the campaign.Inspector Gary Miller responded to the results of the campaign. (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

Inspector Gary Miller, of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team, said: “Although this campaign aimed to target all fatal four offences, we placed a specific focus on driving whilst under the influence of drink and drugs due to the Euros tournament.

“Unfortunately, over 90 people put themselves and others at risk by choosing to drink/drug drive. Their actions could have had devastating consequences.

“We will continue to run campaigns such as this as we work with road users and explain the risks attached to their behaviours.”

During the campaign officers carried out roadside checks throughout the day and night.

A total of 92 people were arrested during July. Of those arrests:

  • 30 people were arrested following a positive breath test
  • 37 people were arrested following a positive drug wipe
  • 6 people were arrested after being found unfit through drink or drugs
  • 11 people were arrested for failing to provide a sample
  • Eight people were arrested for being in charge of a vehicle whilst above the limit for drink/drugs

As well as the arrests 84 people were found to not be in proper control of their vehicle through use of their mobile phone and 46 people were found to not be wearing a seat belt.

Police recorded 4,514 people speeding. This consisted of 4,397 offences detected by a speed camera and 117 offences dealt with by a police officer.

To date, one of these offending drivers have been prosecuted, 207 drivers have attended speed awareness courses and 97 have paid Fixed Penalty Notices.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “Another set of disappointing results following the summer campaign to highlight the obvious dangers of the fatal four.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore.Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore. (Image: Newsquest)

“This is great work from the roads policing officers but quite disturbing to see how many drivers are willing to risk their own lives and the lives of others.

“I find it incredible that despite all the publicity and the extra enforcement, people are still not heeding the message – don’t drive under the influence of drink or drugs, wear a seat belt, don’t use your phone and match your speed to the road conditions.  It’s really not that difficult.”