Drink and drug driving spot checks to take place during Euros

As the Euro 2024 tournament begins, police officers are warning football fans that random drink drive checks will be taking place throughout the competition.

Durham Police are urging people to plan ahead for their journey home if they are heading out to watch the football with a few drinks.

England take on Serbia in their first game of the tournament on Sunday 16 June.

Drink and drug driving typically increases during major sporting tournaments.

According to Road Safety North East, there was an increase in drink and drug driving injuries in the region on the day of and the day following England’s matches during the World Cup in 2022. On these days, drink/drug driving injuries increased from 12% to 16% of all injuries, while those resulting in serious injury rose from 15% to 20%.

While the Euros take place in Germany until 14 July, fan zones have been erected in our region's cities, and pubs and bars are gearing up to welcome crowds.

Officers are encouraging people to book a taxi, arrange a lift, or watch the match at home with a friend.

The force is using random vehicle stops and intelligence-led enforcement in a bid to remove drivers who are under the influence of drink and drugs from the roads and keep people safe.

Have you heard our new podcast Talking Politics? Every week Tom, Robert and Anushka dig into the biggest issues dominating the political agenda…