22 arrested in Basildon during Essex Police crackdown on drink and drug driving
Police warn of dangers as operation tackles impaired drivers
Essex Police arrested 22 people in Basildon during a targeted operation to tackle drink and drug driving.
The arrests took place on 31st January 2026 as part of Operation Limit, a proactive initiative aimed at improving road safety by focusing on impaired drivers. The majority of those arrested had tested positive for cannabis or cocaine.
Officers also recorded 71 Traffic Offence Reports for various road safety violations, dealt with 132 speeding offences - most involving motorists travelling at over 40mph in 30mph zones - and seized eight vehicles.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing at Essex Police, highlighted the ongoing issue of drug driving and its effects.
“Findings like this show that there are drivers who either disregard the law completely or think they are safe to drive when they aren’t,” he said.
“Drugs stay in your system longer than you think. They cloud your judgement, slow your reactions and make you a danger to everyone on the road.
“I’d urge the public to contact us if they know of anyone drink or drug driving and we will deal.”
Among the arrests was an off-road bike rider who blew 120 on a breathalyser test, failed a drug swipe, and was found to have no licence or insurance. Another arrest came after a vehicle was stopped for having no MOT.
District Commander Paul Hogben also reiterated the importance of road safety and praised the Roads Policing Unit for their ongoing efforts.
“I am acutely aware of how important road safety and dealing with off-road motor vehicles is to our residents,” Hogben said.
“On this occasion, they have taken a significant number of dangerous drivers and vehicles off the roads of Basildon, to help keep everyone safe.”
Essex Police continue to encourage the public to report drink or drug driving by contacting them directly.