More than 460 arrests for drink and drug-driving made in police crackdown

Police made more than 460 arrests in the Thames Valley as part of its drink and drug-driving campaign in December – with even more drug-related arrests than drinking ones.

From December 1 to December 31, officers carried out targeted activity in order to stop drivers under the influence.

The scheme is a joint one by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary. These two forces have a Joint Operations Unit.

Enforcement targeted known hotspots and offenders, and as part of its toolkit, the joint operation now has ‘highly effective roadside testing’ for both alcohol and drugs.

Across both force areas, 800 arrests were made, with 469 of those being made in the Thames Valley.

Specifically, 209 of these were for drink-driving, and 260 for drugs.

Consequences and penalties ‘are severe’ for driving under the influence, police warn. These include driving bans, fines, criminal convictions and imprisonment.

Such consequences affect not just the driver but can have ‘a lasting impact on family, employment and future opportunities.’

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Operation Limit is carried out during the festive period every year and it’s disappointing to see that people are still getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink and/or drugs.

“We see too often the devastating consequences that can result from this behaviour, and I am pleased that we have managed to make so many arrests and prevent the potential harm that can be caused by drink and drug drivers.

“Our priority is to make the roads safer for everyone and we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having drank alcohol or used drugs.

“Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impact on your driving. It’s not worth the risk.”