West Midlands Police are taking a leaf out of Santa’s book by making a nice and naughty list — sans the nice bit. It has started naming and shaming drink-drivers on its website in a bid to put drivers off having one too many before driving.
The campaign was launched on December 1st and already 14 drivers have their name in shining lights, as well as their age, part of their address and when they are expected to be in court.
“Those who think they are fit to take the risk of driving while intoxicated are amongst the most selfish in our society – they spare no thought for themselves and, even more gravely, they spare no thought for the lives that they are capable of irreparably destroying in the blink of an eye,” a spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said on the website.
“I am encouraging forces to put a face to the names of those who would so recklessly endanger lives by, where possible, releasing the photos of those convicted of drink and drug-driving. It’s important we do all we can to deter people from making the choice to drink or drug-drive and pursue them to the extent of the law if they do,” he added.
Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to a drug or drink-driving conviction, West Midlands Police said.
A drink-driving conviction can cost you as much as a £5,000 fine, 12-month driving ban, criminal record and lost earnings. It also means more time spent on the bus, which is punishment enough.
Leave a Reply