On 1st December, Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary’s Joint Operations Unit launched their annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign.
From 1 December to 31 December 2023, officers carried out targeted activity in order to stop drivers under the influence of drink and drugs.
Across both force areas, 1,012 arrests were made, with 710 of those being made in the Thames Valley alone, an increase of 37% compared to last year.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “Operation Holly 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.
“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.
“Our priority is to make the roads safer for everyone and we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having drank alcohol or used drugs.
“Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impact on your driving. It’s not worth the risk.”
