More than 140 arrested as police operation targets suspected drink and drug drivers
In the lead up to Christmas and New Year, officers at Devon & Cornwall Police have been conducting road safety checks as part of a national operation focusing on reducing numbers of drink and drug drivers.
Op Limit is a National Police Chief’s Council campaign which sees drivers pulled over for breathalyser and drug tests, and offers an opportunity for officers to engage with the public to provide education surrounding road safety and impaired driving.
On Friday 22 December – the last Friday before Christmas – officers will be continuing Op Limit checks and will be highlighting any suspected drink or drug driving incidents using the hashtag #OpLimitDCP.
So far this December in Devon and Cornwall have carried out:
- 354 breathalyser tests, with 91 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving
- 97 roadside drug tests, with 50 people arrested on suspicion of drug driving
Devon & Cornwall Police has confirmed that around one in five drink drive convictions happen the ‘morning after’ and are reminding motorists to be wary about taking to the roads the morning after a big night out as they may still be unfit to drive.
Superintendent Ben Asprey, Op Limit lead at Devon & Cornwall Police, said: “While it’s positive to see officers taking suspected drink and drug drivers off our roads, it’s worrying to see the number of people out there who think it may be acceptable to drive while impaired.
“Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system increases the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or other road users.
“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.
“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Devon & Cornwall Police. Our officers will be out in force, rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “Drink driving is unacceptable – it puts the driver, passengers and innocent members of the public at substantial risk.
“Those found guilty of this crime face losing their license and even going to prison, which could cost you your job and livelihood.
“This doesn’t just apply to people who are on a big night out, those driving the morning after a few drinks could also unexpectedly be over the limit and unfit to drive.
“Please, don’t risk it – let’s make sure everyone gets home safely this Christmas.”
If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.
Earlier this month, Devon & Cornwall Police announced the return of its popular drink drive campaign, Lift Legend; an initiative that looks to reward designated drivers with free drinks as a ‘thank you’ for getting their friends, colleagues and family members get home safely.
Lift Legend will run from Friday 1 December 2023 until Monday 1 January 2024. Drivers buying a soft drink in one of the participating venues will receive a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.
For more information about the Lift Legend scheme and to find out where your nearest participating pub is, please visit: www.dc.police.uk/LiftLegend
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