Lancashire Police arrested 331 people for drink or drug driving-related offences in December 2024 – 24% more than last year.
Operation Limit is undertaken by every UK force during December, with its main aim being to deter and catch drink or drug drivers who have chosen to get behind the wheel after a festive celebration.
Lancashire officers made the highest number of arrests for the December period. From December 1 to January 1, officers conducted 1552 roadside breath tests and 309 roadside drug tests on drivers in the county.
Those arrested include a 41-year-old man from Darwen, who crashed into a stone wall on New Year’s Eve, causing the car to overturn. The driver blew 61 at the roadside – almost double the legal limit – and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.
On December 10, officers stopped a Nissan X-Trail on Liverpool Old Road, Much Hoole, with a broken rear light. The driver (26) from Chorley failed a roadside drug test, testing positive for cocaine and cannabis. Following a search of the vehicle, officers also found cannabis, several bags of white powder weighing approximately 0.5kg, more than £600 cash, and four mobile phones.
He was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and possession of class B drugs and has since been released under investigation.
Head of specialist operations at Lancashire Police, superintendent Hassan Khan, said: “It is a real shame that every year, we see people making the poor decision of driving impaired. No matter how ‘easy’ or ‘short’ you think the drive is going to be, it is never worth risking your license, job or life.
“It is shocking to see a record number of arrests this December, but I hope this demonstrates to the public our dedication to keeping Lancashire’s roads safe.
“Although Operation Limit is now over, we are still out conducting roadside drug and alcohol tests daily. There is hard work going on behind the scenes every day at Lancashire Police and I would say to anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel impaired: you will be stopped, tested and prosecuted”.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Drink or drug driving is unacceptable but sadly it’s clear that too many people choose to ignore the dangers that come with it and put lives at risk.
“It is a selfish choice to make, and I am pleased to the see the proactive approach taken by Lancashire Constabulary.
“I will continue to work closely with the Constabulary and support targeted operations like Op Limit to arrest offenders and keep Lancashire’s roads safe.”
If you witness a drink or drug driver, you can report them to Lancashire Police anonymously via their online form or to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. If the person is about to drive always call 999.
