Shocking figures reveal hundreds of arrests during Lancashire Christmas drink and drug driving campaign

Tuesday, 9 January 2024 15:23

Lancashire Police say more than 15% of drivers stopped during the annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign were arrested.

As part of Operation Limit, 1,804 vehicles were stopped at checkpoints across the county during the festive period, with officers conducting 1514 breath tests, and 34 drug wipes.

In total, officers arrested 271 people for driving impaired, whether that be through drink or drugs, or for refusing to provide a sample of breath.

Superintendent Hassan Khan said: “Drink and drug driving is something that is always taken seriously here in Lancashire, but we have made it a priority over the festive period.

“These people have chosen to have a drink or take drugs and then get behind the wheel. They have chosen to endanger the lives of others, and their own lives. They have chosen to drive impaired knowing the heartbreak and trauma it can cause to the victims, their family and friends, and their own loved ones.

“The figures over the last few weeks are shocking, and we hope they show that we will not tolerate drink or drug driving in Lancashire.

“We want to make it clear that although we have made a focus on drink-drug driving over the festive period, we will not stop targeting these offenders. Impaired driving doesn’t just stop now the festive period is over.

“So let our message be clear: if you choose to drink or drug drive, we will catch you, and we will bring you to justice.

‘’Drink and Drug driving is never acceptable.”

The legal limit for alcohol is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100mls of breath. Unlike alcohol, there is no legal limit for drug driving, so anyone found with traces of drugs in their system is liable to prosecution.