800 arrests made during Thames Valley and Hampshire drink and drug driving crackdown
Police targeted drink and drug drivers as part of Operation Limit during the festive season
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary's Joint Operations Unit made a total of 800 arrests during their annual festive drink and drug driving operation, named Operation Limit.
The campaign ran from 1st December to 31st December 2025, focusing on stopping drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Officers conducted targeted enforcement operations using intelligence to pinpoint hotspots and known offenders. Roadside testing for both alcohol and drugs played a key role in the initiative.
Thames Valley Police made 469 arrests, broken down by 209 drink-driving arrests and 260 drug-driving arrests. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary made 331 arrests, including 146 for drink-driving and 185 for drug-driving.
Driving under the influence has severe consequences such as driving bans, fines, imprisonment, and criminal records, which can impact personal lives, families, and future career opportunities.
Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit said: “Operation Limit 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.”