Joint constabularies’ annual campaign targeted known hotspots.
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary’s Joint Operations Unit made a total of 800 arrests across both areas in an annual drink drive sting, new figures reveal.
The local police force’s yearly Christmas drink and drug driving campaign, part of Operation Limit, allowed officers to carry out targeted activity in order to stop drivers under the influence of drink and drugs.
The enforcement, from 1st to 31st December last year, was intelligence-led, targeting hotspots and known offenders. The force 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 alone.
“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,” said Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas, Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit.
“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.”
Penalties are severe for driving under the influence and include driving bans, fines, criminal convictions and imprisonment. The consequences affect not just the driver: they can have a lasting impact on family, employment and future opportunities, say police.
