Morning after drink driving operation carried out in Truro

More than 40 vehicles were stopped last Friday in Truro as part of a roads policing operation to tackle people driving over the legal limit the morning after drinking.

A stop sight was set up on the busy A390 from 8am for around two-and-a-half hours, pulling in drivers to carry out breathalyser tests and chat about the lingering effects of alcohol the morning after drinking.

Encouragingly, of the 41 breathalyser tests carried out, none were positive. One woman was arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a road-side test indicated the presence of cannabis.

PC Dave Langley, who led the operation, said: “It’s a common misconception that a few hours of sleep or a strong coffee is enough to sober someone up. That’s not true.

“The reality is that alcohol can stay in your system for hours after your last drink. That means you may still be over the limit if you drive the morning after drinking.

“On average, it takes our bodies one hour to process one unit of alcohol. For example, for five pints of beer, which contain three units of alcohol, it would take around 15 hours to clear your system.

“Anyone who is found over the limit can potentially receive a criminal record, maximum penalty of six months in prison and an automatic driving ban of at least one year. So, if you have been drinking the night before, please stop and think twice before you consider getting behind the wheel.”

Commenting on the operation, PC Langley said: “This operation was as much about education as it was enforcement.

“Whilst it was a positive result that we didn’t find anyone over the limit, we know how important it is to continue to carry out activity like this.

“Ultimately we want to drive safe and sustainable change by educating drivers, deterring dangerous behaviour and identifying those breaking the law to keep everyone on our roads safe.”

The targeted activity was led by the roads policing team, who are in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and supported by the local Truro neighbourhood team.

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel. 

If you would like to share intelligence in relation to someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please call 101 or fill in an intelligence form on our website: Home | Devon & Cornwall Police