233 arrests made in drink and drug driving crackdown

It was part of Devon and Cornwall Police's Christmas campain

A total of 233 arrests were made by Devon and Cornwall Police in a crackdown on drink and drug driving over the Christmas period.

During the campaign, 144 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving with 84 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs - five were arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample for analysis. Some were arrested on suspicion of multiple offences.

The Christmas Operation Limit campaign ran between Thursday 1 December 2022 and New Year's Day and saw an increase on the previous year with a total of 188 drink drive arrests.

Superintendent Ryan Doyle, of the specialist operations department, said: “Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause – those arrested were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects.

“While it is disappointing to see a 24 per cent increase in the number of people arrested on suspicion of drink and drug drive related offences versus last year, I am pleased our increased efforts to tackle those drivers who are potentially a danger on our roads has resulted in a number of arrests.

“This year, we have continued to place a greater emphasis on encouraging those planning a night out to think about how they’re getting home. I would like to thank the venues that took part in our ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for their support in helping to keep their customers and wider road users safe.

“I, and too many of my colleagues have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence. The pain this causes to victims’ families and loved ones is devastating, and entirely preventable.

“As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver. Our enforcement efforts will of course continue all year round and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping our roads safe.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership who supported the Force’s drink and drug driving campaign over Christmas.

The Commissioner said: “There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a selfish act that needlessly endangers the lives of innocent people.

“While I’m dismayed that this many drivers have seen fit to undertake this lethal activity over the festive period, I am glad that so many have been caught and will now face justice for their crime.

“As well as being incredibly dangerous, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also carries a driving ban, which will cost some people their jobs, their livelihoods and even their families. In some cases you could even end up in prison. It’s just not worth it.”