SURREY Police’s December campaign to reduce drink and drug-driving offences has proved a success with more than 70 people charged so far.

During Operation Dragonfly the force named and shamed people that had been charged in a bid to raise awareness and highlight the dangers associated with getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs.

The operation resulted in 98 positive breath tests and a 37.5 per cent positive rate of DrugWipe tests which can detect whether cannabis or cocaine is in a person’s system within 10 minutes.

Although the topic was highlighted in December, officers will continue to pay close attention to drink and drug drivers all year round.

Surrey Roads Policing Unit Inspector Alan Nicholls said: “Operation Dragonfly was a great success and I hope the public are getting the message that driving while under the influence is simply reckless and puts your life and the lives of others at risk.

“Overall the number of positive roadside breath tests has decreased year on year which is evidence that people are taking on board just how dangerous drink or drug driving can be.

“If you’re tempted to drink or take drugs and drive – don’t. Just think of the consequences, you could lose your job, your home, or your life.

“If you do want to have a drink then arrange a taxi, arrange a lift or have a designated driver. We are also still seeing people over the limit the morning after a night out, so leave enough time before driving again the next day.”

The December campaign was the first time the DrugWipe kits have been used over the festive period.

Insp Nicholls added: “It is alarming that someone will decide to drive when they have taken any form of drug that will impair their judgement and reactions. This can have disastrous consequences.

“It is a clear reminder that it is not only drink driving that is a problem on our roads, but drug users too.

“The DrugWipe kit means there is no hiding place for anyone who has an illegal level of drugs in their system as officers can detect cocaine or cannabis use within minutes.”

One driver who tested positive for drug driving during Surrey Police’s June 2015 Operation Dragonfly has been jailed for four months.

Gary Burge, of Cowley Avenue, Chertsey, was pursued by Roads Policing Unit office Dan Pascoe who then caught up with him on foot after Burge had crashed into two parked cars at more than 60 mph.

A video from the officer’s dashcam shows Burge driving dangerously through Chertsey before the incident.

His arrest came three days into the force’s anti drink or drug driving campaign during which those charged with offences were proactively named.

A roadside test using a DrugWipe kit showed he had cocaine in his system. A blood sample taken later confirmed that Burge was 4.6 times the legal limit for cocaine and 6.6 times the limit for benzoylecgonine.

Pc Pascoe began pursuing Burge at 12.15am on June 3, 2015 in Fordwater Road, Chertsey, with the BMW 3 travelling at up to 60 mph in the 30 mph zone.

After speeding over give-way junctions and mini roundabouts Burge collided with a parked car at around 60mph in Windsor Street. That car and another which was hit as a result of it were both written off.

Burge then left the vehicle and ran off down Windsor Street and into Alwyns Lane where after a 200-metre foot race he was stopped by PC Pascoe.

The 33-year-old was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, January 15, after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, two counts of driving over the prescribed drug limit, failing to stop for police, and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

As well as being jailed for four months he was disqualified for 20 months, ordered to pay compensation of £200 and costs of £500.

Stats for December 2015:

• Number of breath tests – 1238 tests carried out / 98 positive tests (7.9 per cent)

• Number of DrugWipes – 48 tests carried out / 18 positive results from which 16 arrests (one cocaine, 15 cannabis) – 37.5 per cent positive.

• Number of charges 76, plus one reported following arrest

• Number arrested that are on bail: 28

• Summonsed not arrested: two

• On average in 2015, 10 per cent of roadside breath tests were positive – compared to 11 per cent in 2014.