🚨 Braintree Police to Flood the Streets in December Crackdown “Zero Tolerance” Announced
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Braintree residents can expect to see a major increase in police patrols over the coming weeks as Essex Police launches a full-force December crackdown on drink and drug driving.
As part of a national campaign, officers from the Roads Policing Unit will be out across the district day and night carrying out targeted stops on anyone suspected of driving under the influence.
Police say there will be “zero tolerance” throughout the month, with additional units working alongside the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to reduce serious and fatal collisions across the county.
According to Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, drink and drug driving has been a key factor in some of Essex’s most serious crashes this year including collisions that resulted in tragic loss of life.
He says officers are still encountering far too many drivers who believe it’s acceptable to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs, often unaware that both can stay in the system much longer than people realise.
His warning to drivers is blunt:
“If you drink or drug drive, you can expect to be stopped and arrested.”“Lose your licence, lose your job, lose your home — you could even lose your life.”
Officers will be using every power available to them, including breath tests, roadside drug wipes, targeted patrols, intelligence-led stops, and checks at known hotspots.
The police message this Christmas is uncompromising:
• Driving after drinking or taking drugs is dangerous and illegal.
• It slows reactions, impairs judgement, and puts lives at risk including your own.
• Drivers caught face arrest, a licence ban, fines, a criminal record, and potentially prison.
• Even a single drink could put you over the limit the next morning.
• Drug driving carries the same penalties and many drugs remain detectable for hours or days.
Residents are urged to plan journeys before drinking, use taxis or designated drivers, and stop friends from driving if they’ve had alcohol.
Essex Police are also encouraging people to use their confidential “Report It” function if they suspect someone is about to drive under the influence.
Last year, drink and drug driving was one of the biggest talking points in Braintree — especially over Christmas.
So we want to hear from residents:
👉 Should police be even tougher on drink & drug drivers this December?
👉 Do you think enough is being done to keep our roads safe?
👉 Have you noticed more risky driving around Braintree lately?
Share your thoughts below
👇Your comments help highlight the issues affecting our community.
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