DRIVERS in Gloucestershire are being warned of the dangers of drink and drug driving and the penalties they could face with the launch of a new summer campaign from local emergency services.

So far this year, some 420 people have been arrested in the county for drink and drug driving.

Now Gloucestershire Constabulary, together with the fire service, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Gloucestershire County Council, is aiming to address the issue by raising awareness of the risks.

The force has released footage of a motorist captured near Gloucester to provide an example of what can happen if people choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.

The footage was captured on a mobile phone by two members of the public after a blue van caught their eye between Cirencester and Gloucester.

The driver of the van can be seen driving erratically, swerving onto the wrong side of the road around blind bends and narrowly missing oncoming vehicles.

The members of the public safely followed the driver, whilst updating police on their location.

Officers intercepted the driver shortly before the Air Balloon roundabout, where he was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drugs.

The driver was found guilty and disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay £185 in fines and costs.

The motorist was under the influence of legal prescription medication, which the force says many may not be aware is against the law and can impair their ability to drive.

Inspector Rachel Lynch-Warden from the Roads Policing Unit said: “We want to do everything we can to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are as safe as possible.

“Motorists may not be aware of both the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and we are hoping to raise awareness of this and catch those who ignore our advice.”

Of the 420 arrests made in the county this year, almost as many had consumed drugs as they had alcohol.

The force says those who combine the two are 23 times more likely to have an accident than sober drivers.

It is looking to “debunk” a number myths surrounding the issue with most drivers not aware of how long drink and drugs can stay in their body for.

Councillor Dave Norman, cabinet member for road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have devastating consequences.

“That’s why I’m asking drivers across the county not to drink or take drugs before driving this summer, to ensure we can keep everyone safe on our roads.”

Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson said: “Recent media coverage paints a picture of Gloucestershire as a hotspot for drink and drug driving – but these figures really only tell part of the story.  

“My view is that a high number of arrests when compared to other forces, actually demonstrates how seriously our Constabulary takes its commitment to roads policing and tackling drink and drug drivers.

“I am grateful to the Constabulary and our partners in the Road Safety Partnership for helping us remind road users of their responsibility to drive safely this summer and beyond.”

The footage can be viewed at www.gloucestershire.police.uk/news/gloucestershire/news.