|
Hello Resident Drink Driving. Together we can stop it The slogan "Drink Driving – Together We Can Stop It" is the central message of a multi-force road safety initiative supported by West Midlands Police (WMP) and neighbouring forces like Northampton shire Police. This campaign focuses on community intervention and proactive reporting to prevent tragedies before they happen. The Campaign Concept The core of this campaign is moving away from just enforcement to community responsibility: "Step In" Message: If you know someone is about to drink and drive, the police urge you to speak to them first. Intervention from a friend or family member can be the "difference between life and death".Proactive Reporting: For those who cannot or will not listen, WMP encourages reporting them through official channels to prevent a potential collision.Invisible Presence: A key warning used in these campaigns is: "Our officers can't be everywhere – but they could be anywhere". Local Enforcement & Results (2026) In the West Midlands, this campaign is integrated into Operation Advance, the force’s ongoing high-intensity enforcement strategy: Recent Arrests: WMP has already arrested 147 people specifically during recent targeted road safety campaign days in early 2026.Vision Zero Goal: The campaign supports the "Vision Zero" target for the West Midlands—aiming for zero deaths or serious injuries on regional roads by 2040.Intelligence-Led Patrols: Officers use community-provided information to carry out roadside checks at both high-risk times (evenings/weekends) and locations identified as frequent drink-driving spots. Local Crackdown & Operations The region is currently subject to a force-wide clampdown that has resulted in 681 arrests for drink and drug driving since January 2026. Wolverhampton Priorities: Road safety is a top priority for the Wolverhampton LPA (Local Policing Area), which includes Wednesfield and Heath Town. Officers are targeting the "Fatal Four" offences: drink/drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt neglect.Easter 2026 Clampdown: Police increased patrols specifically in retail and entertainment hubs—such as Bentley Bridge Retail Park and Wednesfield High Street—to deter motorists from driving under the influence during the bank holiday period.Operation Advance: This monthly intensive enforcement day recently covered Wolverhampton, deploying specialist resources including drones and police dogs to detect substance-impaired drivers. Recent Statistics & Incidents While specific monthly arrest totals for "drink driving" alone are often grouped under broader "All Other Crime" in public summaries, recent local data highlights the risk in these wards: Incident Frequency: WMP averages seven arrests per day across the force area for being unfit to drive.Regional Trends: Between 2024 and 2025, drink-drive related data for Wednesfield South showed an 80.8% increase in certain reported road safety factors, while Heath Town saw a more stable 3.7% increase.Specific Incident: In late 2025, a Wolverhampton man was arrested after being found four times over the legal limit, emphasising the severity of local enforcement. Where Enforcement is Concentrated WMP and the local authority use a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), live as of 25 March 2026, to manage antisocial behaviour, which often complements traffic stops in these areas: Bentley Bridge Retail Park: A primary site for proactive patrols and vehicle checks.Wednesfield High Street: Targeted for its concentration of evening entertainment venues.Major Arterial Roads: Frequent stops occur on roads connecting Wednesfield and Heath Town to the Wolverhampton city centre. Reporting in Wednesfield & Heath Town Immediate Danger: Call 999 if you see someone driving under the influence.Routine Reports: Use the WMP Online Portal for non-urgent information.Thank you. | 
