The Chief Constable of Sussex Police has called for tougher sentences for drink and drug drivers who kill people, warning that current penalties are failing to act as a strong enough deterrent.
Jo Shiner was speaking after a record number of motorists were arrested across Sussex during the Christmas period as part of an intensified policing operation targeting dangerous driving. Officers carried out roadside checks across the county, leading to a sharp rise in arrests for drink and drug driving compared with previous years.
The Chief Constable said the scale of offending remains deeply concerning, particularly given the well-known risks and the devastating consequences these offences can have for victims and their families. She warned that too many drivers continue to underestimate the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence, despite repeated public awareness campaigns and enforcement activity.
Jo Shiner said the figures demonstrate that stronger action is needed, including harsher sentencing for those whose actions result in death or serious injury. She added that tougher penalties could send a clearer message that drink and drug driving will not be tolerated and may help prevent further loss of life on Sussex roads.
Sussex Police say enforcement will continue throughout the year, not just during seasonal campaigns, with officers using intelligence-led patrols, roadside testing and community reporting to identify offenders.
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