Police forces across the country are taking part in a nationally coordinated Christmas drink and drug driving campaign throughout December.
Co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Op Limit brings together police forces in a collaborative effort to tackle the issue, which ‘ruins the lives of individuals and communities and it is completely avoidable’.
Each participating force will use a range of different tactics including vehicle stops and roadside testing as well as undertaking education and engagement events.
Lincolnshire Police are warning people of the consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs in their system and spelling out the penalties if they are caught.
Officers will be carrying out extra patrols with checkpoints at key locations for breathalyser testing.
Inspector Jason Baxter, from the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Enforcement against drink and drug driving is part of our daily business and something we do year round.
“Operation Limit is about focussing and reinforcing these efforts throughout December – a month in which we know the festive period sees more people out celebrating. We are reminding drivers of the consequences of being over the limit which can include a hefty fine, a driving ban, and a criminal conviction.”
2024 will be the third year of running a nationally coordinated Christmas drink and drug driving campaign.
NPCC says results have shown this to be effective in showing a robust approach to tackling drink and drug driving, while allowing for the sharing of resources between forces.
During last year’s campaign, 6,616 arrests were made and 1,589 individuals charged for drink and drug driving.
The NPCC says: “Drink and drug driving is one of the fatal four on our national roads policing strategy. Most police forces run a Christmas drink and drug driving campaign given the rise in offending at this time of year.
“Coordinating the operation nationally meant we could bring together forces to share best practice and learnings, providing a consistent and robust approach to tackling the issue. The response from all police forces has been really positive and this is shown in the results.”
Comment on this story