Record number of people arrested in Christmas drink and drug-driving crackdown
279 people detained in Surrey Police festive campaign
A record 279 people have been arrested by Sussex Police during their annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-driving.
The campaign, called Operation Limit, ran from 1st December to 1st January. It combined education, enforcement, and extensive public awareness efforts, including social media posts, leaflets, posters, and messaging at petrol stations.
Despite these efforts to highlight the dangers of drink and drug-driving, the operation saw an increase in arrests compared to previous years. In 2024, 270 arrests were made, while in 2023 the figure stood at 261.
Of the arrests this year, 165 were for drug-driving and 134 were for drink-driving. A total of 243 men, 51 women, and five people whose gender was not specified were detained during the campaign.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s roads policing lead, expressed her disappointment at the figures:
“A record number of arrests during the latest Operation Limit campaign sends a clear message – Sussex Police will not tolerate this behaviour.
“Drink and drug-driving continues to be one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions in Sussex, and every year we see families’ lives torn apart by the selfish minority who still think it is acceptable to drive over the limit.”
Focus on drug-driving
Sussex Police explained that part of this year’s campaign included targeted efforts to increase awareness around drug-driving.
According to Chief Constable Shiner, many road users are unaware that they can remain impaired for multiple days or even weeks after consuming drugs, both legal and illegal.
“We’re seeing more and more people arrested for drug-driving, and quite often they tell us they weren’t aware they could still be impaired.
“The bottom line is if you are unsure, do not take the risk. You could lose your licence, your job, or your life. You could also kill other innocent road users, as we have sadly seen a number of times in Sussex in recent years.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne added: "Drugs on wheels - a concerning trend and a one-way ticket to disaster on our roads.
"Every time someone makes that choice, they put their own lives at risk as well as the lives of other road users.
"The record number of arrests during the latest Operation Limit campaign sends a clear message - Sussex Police will not tolerate this behaviour.
"It will continue to educate drivers and enforce the law all year round and deal robustly with those who break it."
Harsh consequences
Police are reminding drivers of the serious dangers and legal consequences associated with drink and drug-driving, which could include:
- Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- An unlimited fine
- A possible prison sentence
- Higher car insurance costs
- A criminal record that affects employment opportunities
- Trouble travelling to certain countries, including the USA
Anyone with information about someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs can call 999.
Anonymous reports can also be submitted via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .