Lancashire Police launch summer crackdown on drink and drug driving

Thursday, 2 July 2026 07:48

By Central Radio News

Lancashire Police are urging motorists not to drink or drug drive throughout the summer, warning offenders they will face the full force of the law if they do, like any other time of year.

The warning comes as officers launch Operation Limit, a campaign run throughout the summer, aimed at preventing drug and drink related casualties across the county.

Last year in Lancashire a total of 13,767 vehicles were stopped. During this period, 10,484 breath tests were conducted, resulting in 1,351 positive alcohol readings.

Additionally, 3,283 roadside drug tests were carried out, with 1,559 positive results. This has led to a total of 2,831 arrests for either drink or drug driving.

The operation will include increased road policing patrols throughout the county, alongside the deployment of drink and drug testing sites.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: ‘’People often think they’re fit to drive, but ‘feeling fine’ doesn’t mean you are. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs impair reaction, judgment, and decision-making.

‘’Take a moment to think about what you could lose if you chose to drive under the influence. Your home? Your job? Your family? Your freedom to travel? Your licence? Or even more, your life, or someone else’s. Is it really worth the risk?

‘’The message is simple - drive under the influence, get stopped, tested and convicted.’’

If you suspect someone is about to drive or is driving under the influence, call 999.

You can also report online or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Preston, Leyland & Chorley News

Preston city centre action plan delivering results six months on

A multi-agency action plan launched in December to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Preston City Centre is already delivering positive results, six months on.
Preston retailer fined £10,000 for selling a knife to 15 year old test purchaser

A Preston retailer who sold a knife to a 15-year-old during test purchasing has been fined £10,000.
Controversial Camelot site plans approved

Controversial plans to build 350 homes on the former Camelot Theme Park site in Chorley have been given the go-ahead – 12 years after the first bid was made to redevelop the derelict site.
More bin changes mooted for Preston

Some Preston households may see their bin collection day changed for a second time since the spring in order to resolve problems that have arisen following a major shake-up of the city’s waste service.
Friargate South improvement works start

The multi-million pound improvement works planned for Friargate South, Cheapside/Market Place and Orchard Street in Preston are due to get underway next week.
Family pays tribute to 'loving daughter, sister, partner, and devoted mum' who tragically died at level crossing in Hoghton

A 33 year-old woman who died following a tragic incident at a level crossing in Lancashire has been named as her family pay tribute to their much loved daughter, sister, partner and devoted mum.
Taxi fare increase proposed for South Ribble

The cost of taking a taxi in South Ribble could be set to increase after drivers asked for permission to put up fares.
Update given on plans for leisure development on banks of River Ribble

Funding has been obtained for a long-proposed leisure development that will see a water sports lake, dry ski slope and mountain bike track created on the banks of the River Ribble in Preston.