Gloucestershire Constabulary has launched its summer road safety campaign, Operation Spotlight, as part of a nationwide effort targeting the “Fatal Four” causes of serious road collisions: drink and drug driving, mobile phone use behind the wheel, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt. The campaign, running throughout July, highlights the dangers of alcohol behind the wheel, using a recent conviction as a stark example. Kennedy Kipchirchir, a Gloucester man who repeatedly drove while drunk and disqualified, has been banned from driving for four years and must wear an alcohol monitoring tag for 120 days.

Kipchirchir’s case underscores the persistent threat of drink driving on UK roads. Despite a previous ban for drink driving in 2024, he continued to ignore the law, risking the safety of others by driving under the influence. Officers intervened after a member of the public reported his dangerous driving. He was found over the legal alcohol limit and attempted to evade arrest by switching seats with his passenger. The monitoring tag now in place will alert authorities if he consumes alcohol during his ban, a measure intended to prevent further violations.

The campaign is not just about individual cases but about changing broader behavior. According to the police, combining alcohol and drugs while driving increases the risk of a fatal crash by 23 times compared to sober drivers. With summer events and gatherings in full swing, Gloucestershire police are stepping up roadside checks and enforcement to remind drivers of the real dangers and legal consequences of drink driving. The message is clear: don’t get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter the amount.

The Operation Spotlight campaign is a partnership between Gloucestershire Constabulary, the County Council, Fire & Rescue Service, and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. They stress the responsibility every driver has to other road users, and the importance of planning ahead—by designating a sober driver, booking a taxi, or using public transport. As the campaign runs through July, the focus remains on preventing needless injuries and deaths caused by alcohol-fueled decisions on the road.

Find more from Gloucestershire Constabulary (UK; July 2025)