Drink drivers to be named and shamed on twitter this Christmas

Motorists who drink and drive this Christmas could face being named and shamed online, with police forces exposing them on social media accounts.

Anybody caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the Surrey and Sussex areas will have their personal details, and the location where they were pulled-over, tweeted from the official police twitter accounts.

The new campaign is being spearheaded by the Surrey and Sussex police forces and is aiming to deter those who may be thinking of indulging in too much festive spirit by demonstrating how such offences can impact on their personal reputation.

Christmas campaigns aimed at drivers are nothing new, with campaigns highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence, and the risk of car accidents and injuries becoming something of a yearly tradition, but until now social media has been mostly used as an informative tool, educating potential drink-drivers of the risks to themselves and others.

Last year, 211 drivers were pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the Surrey and Sussex areas. As part of the festive initiative those who were found guilty could face becoming the subject of posters erected where they were stopped. Members of the public are also being invited to share information about suspected drug or drink-drivers by texting the police or visiting the campaign website.

Anyone who is convicted of drink-driving faces the chance of receiving a fine, a ban on driving or a prison sentence.

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