More than 90 drivers arrested in Suffolk during Fatal Four campaign in July

Police have made more than 90 arrests during a month-long campaign to crack down on offending drivers in Suffolk.

The Fatal Four campaign ran throughout July which saw the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads rise by 20.23 per cent compared to the annual average, based on data collected from 2018 to 2022.

The initiative emphasises that the majority of fatal collisions involve one or more of the following offences: speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A total of 92 people were arrested in Suffolk, including:

- 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

- 8 people were arrested for being in charge of a vehicle whilst above the limit for drink/drugs

Additionally, 84 people were caught using their mobile phones while driving and 46 were found not wearing seatbelts.

A total of 4,514 drivers were caught speeding with 4,397 of these offences detected by speed cameras and 117 dealt with by a police officer.

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

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.”

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

“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.”