Drug driving now leading cause of impaired driving in Essex
Police warn of wider risk-taking culture as hundreds arrested across Essex
Drug driving has overtaken drink driving as the most common cause of impaired driving in Essex, according to new countywide enforcement figures released for January 2026.
Essex Police officers arrested a total of 402 motorists during the month for offences linked to driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
More than half of those arrests – 228 – were for drug driving, marking an increase of 98 compared to January last year and the highest January total recorded since 2017.
Essex Police’s Head of Roads Policing said:
“January’s arrests are simply extraordinary, with drug driving now overtaking drink driving as the leading cause of impaired driving."
The figures follow continued enforcement activity after Operation Limit in December.
Roads Policing teams carried out two further targeted deployments in January, focusing on identifying drivers under the influence.
Across just two days of action, 38 arrests were made – 16 in Chelmsford on 17 January and a further 22 in Basildon on 31 January.
Reflecting on the wider picture behind the data, Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing in Essex, highlighted the broader risks associated with impaired driving.
He said:
“What the data shows us, is these aren’t isolated drink or drug driving offences. There is a broader culture of risk taking, non compliance and, in some cases, entrenched criminality.
“Movements on our roads can sometimes mask deeper risks, including exploitation, coercion and other hidden harms. In fact, 42% of those arrested throughout January had links to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls offences.
“There are also clear patterns of co offending and wider risk taking behaviours, including uninsured driving, drug possession and failing to stop.
“We’re seeing certain sectors disproportionately represented too – particularly those working early mornings, late nights and long shifts, where morning after impairment is a real danger.
“Taken together, this gives us a clearer picture: enforcement and education are key to reducing collisions, and we will use this information to refine our strategy to keep everyone safe on Essex’s roads.”
Essex Police is continuing to work closely with partners through the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, reinforcing its commitment to improving road safety and reducing harm across the county.