Driving under the influence caused three serious or fatal casualties in Tower Hamlets, 2018 figures reveal

Motorists driving while under the influence of drink or drugs caused three serious or fatal casualties in Tower Hamlets this year.

The borough’s number comes as the Met launched its Christmas drink and drug driving campaign. There were five casualties the year before.

Throughout December officers will be checking for motorists driving under the influence taking samples of saliva or carrying out breath tests.

Transport for London (TfL) data shows there were 269 fatal or serious casualties across London caused by people who get behind the wheel while under the influence between April 2016 and February this year.

Of the 269, 217 were because of drink – with 10 fatalities – with the rest resulting from drugs – of which five were fatal.

Ch Supt Colin Wingrove said: “This is a time of year people want to celebrate. Please do so safely. If you are having a night out, take a taxi, pre-book a private hire vehicle or use public transport so everyone returns home safely.”

TfL’s Siwan Hayward said: “There is no reason to drive while under the influence. It is selfish and can have devastating consequences for drivers, other road users and families.

“We won’t tolerate any careless, illegal or dangerous behaviour and will take robust action against those that do.”