Police take drink drive campaign to the next level

Thursday 13 December 2018

Guernsey Police have warned they're going to start seizing cars from convicted drink drivers to stop people doing it.

Despite the well documented dangers of getting behind the wheel drunk, and the shame society heaps on those who do it, Guernsey Police said "there is an element of society which stubbornly refuses to stop this highly dangerous and illegal activity."

As officers try and get the message across to everyone that drink driving is not only illegal, but highly dangerous, they will also be heaping the punishments on anyone convicted.

While the courts can fine you, ban you from driving, issue community service and hand down prison sentences for drink driving, there is another "little used" power also in the police armoury.

They can seize your car and then sell it, scrap it or keep it.

A Guernsey Police spokesman said; "anyone stopped who is significantly over the limit, or is a prolific drink-driver faces having their car taken from them, permanently.

"Old, new, expensive, classic, it doesn’t matter to us. If you can’t be trusted not to get behind the wheel drunk, we’ll aim to ensure you don’t have a wheel to get behind."

This warning follows the launch of the high profile campaign held in the run up to Christmas annually, which has seen more than 600 people stopped over the last few weeks. Of those a very small number have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and have gone on to face the courts.

One-man was bailed until the New Year after admitting being nearly four times the drink drive limit. He was warned he is likely to be going to prison when he reappears before the Magistrate in January.

Guernsey Police issued a video this year warning potential drivers of their campaign. 

“We have always said the consequences for drink driving are severe, which they are, but as there is an element of society which stubbornly refuses to stop this highly dangerous and illegal activity, we will begin making more use of this previously little used power,' said the police spokesman, about their plan to seize vehicles. 

“Once seized we will make an application to the court to permanently take your car off you and then either auction it, keep it, or destroy it. That’s what can happen if you decide to drink drive.”

Pictured top: Guernsey Police are threatening to seize cars driven by drink drivers to auction, keep or scrap.