Lancashire Police arrest 500 drivers in summer drink and drug driving crackdown
Lancashire Police have arrested more than 500 drivers as part of their summer crackdown on drink and drug driving, with officers targeting motorists across the county
More than 500 drivers have been arrested for drink or drug driving as part of Lancashire Police’s summer crackdown.
Throughout the season, officers have been targeting drivers as part of Operation Limit.
The campaign has seen high-visibility police patrols and intelligence-led stop checks and roadside tests to identify motorists driving under the influence of booze or illegal drugs.
Since the launch of the campaign in July Operation Limit has seen:
- 149 arrests for drug driving
- 218 arrests for drink driving
- 25 arrests for failing to provide a breath sample
- Six arrests for driving while unfit through drink or drugs
- 15 arrests for being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst over the alcohol limit
- 88 arrests for being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst unfit through drink or drugs
One tactic used during the campaign was Op Virage which targeted those who “repeatedly put lives at risk through drink and drug driving’.
Op Virage relied on information from the public to identify serial drink and drug drivers.
A police spokesperson said: “This intelligence helps officers identify and target those suspected of repeatedly driving under the influence.
“Information provided by the public is subject to rigorous assessment to ensure it is not malicious before it is graded and actioned.
“This assessment considers a range of factors, including the quality and quantity of intelligence received and the severity of the reported offending behaviour.
Chief Inspector John Jennings-Wharton, from Specialist Operations at Lancashire Police, said: “Our summer drink and drug-driving campaign, Operation Limit, is focused on keeping Lancashire’s roads safe and taking action against those who choose to drive whilst impaired.
“Throughout the campaign, we have arrested people from all walks of life, including professionals, tradespeople, parents and young drivers. Drink and drug driving does not discriminate, and neither do the devastating consequences that can follow.
“Every arrest represents a potentially dangerous driver removed from our roads. Our officers work around the clock to identify offenders, respond to reports from the public and carry out proactive patrols across the county.
“We know that most people make the right choice and never drive under the influence, but for those who do, our message is simple: you are putting lives at risk, and we will take action.
"As the year continues, we are urging everyone to plan ahead, make alternative travel arrangements if they intend to drink, and never get behind the wheel after taking drugs. One poor decision can have life-changing consequences.”
Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “It is disappointing that people are still making the decision to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs, despite knowing the potentially devastating consequences.
“Every arrest represents a driver who has put lives at risk, which is why tackling this issue remains a priority.
“I welcome the work carried out by Lancashire Constabulary as part of Operation Limit, any instance of drink or drug driving is unacceptable.
“As Commissioner, I will continue to support targeted operations and prevention activity to target offenders and make Lancashire's roads safer for everyone."
If you witness somebody drink or drug driving, you can report them anonymously via Lancashire Police's online reporting form or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If the person is about to drive always call 999.