Christmas anti-drink drive campaign leads to 180 arrests across Derbyshire

Derbyshire Police’s annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving has led to the arrest of 180 drivers in Derbyshire.

While officers target the issue as a priority throughout the year, there is a particular focus during the festive period and in the summer months as more people get together and socialise.

This year the operation began a few weeks earlier, on Monday 21 November 2022, to include the men’s World Cup, and ended on Sunday 1 January 2023.

A total of 469 roadside tests were carried out on drivers, with 174 people arrested after they were found positive for alcohol, and 41 positive for drugs. Six tested positive for both drugs and alcohol.

Forty-three drivers who tested positive for alcohol, and 11 drivers who tested positive for drugs, had been involved in a collision.

The operation, known as Op Limit, was a national initiative involving all police forces in England and Wales where officers have been increasing their presence on the roads to target drink and drug drivers.

We launched a short film as part of our Don’t Get Wrecked anti-drink drive campaign to support Op Limit. The focus of the film was to bring home the potentially fatal and devastating consequences that driving under the influence of drink or drugs can have.

The highest reading recorded was 150 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

It’s after officers were called to Scaddows Lane in Ticknall just before 9.10pm on Sunday 8 December following reports of a car had collided with a parked vehicle. A 55-year-old man was arrested and later charged in relation to the incident and is due to appear at court in May.

Chief Inspector Dave Nicholls, who leads our Roads Policing Unit, said: “The numbers of those arrested show just how important it is that we target drink and drug driving, and we will continue to take action against those who continue to take the risk.

“The campaign hasn’t just been about enforcement though; it has also been about raising awareness of the truly devastating consequences that drink and drug driving causes. While many people did choose to make the right choice and were found to be within the legal limits, we cannot ignore the fact that the careless actions of one individual can lead to heartache for others.”

C/Insp. Nicholls added: “During the operation we have been asking for support from our communities by reporting concerns that they have around people who may be getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

“Without a doubt some of those calls have helped reduce the potential for someone to be hurt and we would like to thank everyone who responded. Please do continue to report concerns so that we can help make sure Derbyshire’s roads are safer for everyone.”

You can read more on the harmful effects and penalties or drink or drug driving on our website here: Alcohol and drug driving | Derbyshire Constabulary

To contact us in a non-emergency, you can use any of the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website

If life is in immediate danger or a crime is in progress, then the number to call is always 999.