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The 'everyday' drink driver: Suffolk Police target post-work pub trips

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A month-long police campaign targeted "everyday" drink drivers who had "just a few" after-work drinks, with police confirming 160 people were arrested for being under the influence over Christmas.

Why it matters: The campaign targeted routine social drinking — like after-work pints or Christmas parties — led to a significant number of arrests, with 160 drivers caught under the influence during the festive period.

A man drinking a beer next to his car keys
A month-long police campaign targeted "everyday" drink drivers who have "just a few" after-work drinksGetty Images

By the numbers:

  • 2,366 vehicles stopped

  • 1,987 breath tests conducted

  • 379 drug wipes performed

  • 72 arrests for failed breath tests or test refusals

  • 88 arrests following positive drug wipes

  • 84% of offenders were male

  • 21% were under 25 — up from 14% last year

What they're saying: "There is a real need to fully understand the consequences of your actions. You could lose your licence, your income, your freedom and ultimately your life," Chief Inspector Vicky McParland of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads & Armed Policing Team said.

The bigger picture: The month-long initiative, running from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, targeted what police call the "everyday" drink driver — those who might have two or three pints at the pub after work or drive the morning after a Christmas party while still over the limit.

Between the lines: Suffolk's Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore expressed particular concern about younger drivers, noting "This is a new generation of drivers who appear not have heeded the very clear messages about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

The bottom line: While the campaign focused on the festive period, police emphasize this is a year-round priority. Members of the public can report suspected drink or drug drivers anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Council slaps car park users with £100 fines despite publicly acknowledging payment machines were down

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Motorists have been hit with £100 parking fines at Duke Street car park despite Ipserv, which is owned by the council, publicly acknowledging payment machines were out of order.

Why it matters: Ipserv, the commercial arm of Ipswich Borough Council, has been issuing penalty charges to drivers unable to pay at Ipswich's largest Waterfront car park, where machines have been malfunctioning intermittently since late January.

A broken payment machine at Duke Street car park in Ipswich
A broken payment machine at Duke Street car park in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The payment terminals had been experiencing problems throughout January, with all machines reported out of service on 31 January.

What they said: An Ipserv spokesperson previously stated: "Unfortunately, there is an intermittent issue with the machine at Duke Street Car Park (21851), which our engineers are actively investigating.

"While we work to resolve the problem, we kindly ask customers to use the RingGo app for payment or call RingGo Customer Services on 020 3046 0010 for assistance."

Yes, but: Many visitors are unable to pay via the RingGo app, and those who typically tap to pay with their smartphones often do not carry payment cards with them, making it impossible to pay by telephone.

A scenario seemingly overlooked by Ipserv.

What they're saying now: We approached Ipserv for comment and asked them if they would be proactively reaching out to users issued with fines despite not being able to pay. They issued the following response:

“We acknowledge that there were intermittent technical difficulties with the payment machines on the 31st January 2025. However, we wish to stress that alternative payment methods were available, users could pay via a mobile app or by contacting RingGo’s customer service on the number provided on the side of the payment machine. While we regret any inconvenience caused, these options were in place to ensure customers had a means to pay.

"The availability of alternative options of payment means that simply citing the technical issue will not, on its own, automatically cancel a parking charge notice. As an approved contractor with the British Parking Association, we are committed to correcting any errors in a fair and timely manner and will review any appeals in accordance with the recognised code of conduct.”

The bottom line: Despite publicly acknowledging these "machine issues", the council-owned company has proceeded to issue £100 fines to motorists who had no means of paying. Affected motorists are encouraged to appeal the decision.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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