Dorset Police arrest 118 motorists in festive drink and drug driving operation
More than one hundred motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving across Dorset in December as part of a national crackdown
Last updated 16th Jan 2026
More than 110 motorists were arrested in Dorset over the Christmas and new year period as police intensified efforts to tackle drink and drug driving.
Figures released by Dorset Police show that 118 people were arrested in the month of December as part of the national Op Limit campaign, which runs every winter to crack down on drivers under the influence.
Of those arrested, 66 were suspected of drink driving and 52 of drug driving, an increase on December 2024, when 107 arrests were made.
Nearly four in five of those arrested were men, and the ages ranged from 17 to 69, underlining that drink and drug driving cuts across generations.
During the month-long operation, the force also received 316 calls from members of the public reporting concerns about suspected impaired drivers.
Officers from the Roads Policing Team carried out a range of enforcement tactics, including roadside stop checks, proactive patrols and intelligence-led operations, as well as responding to reports from the public.
Police said more than three-quarters of arrests were the result of this proactive work rather than routine traffic stops.
Inspector Joe Wheable, from the Roads Policing Team, said the figures were disappointing but reflected a determined policing response.
“Unfortunately, these figures show that people are still intent on drink or drug driving and putting themselves and other road users at risk,” he said. “While the increase in numbers is concerning, I want to make it very clear that we are relentless and taking a robust approach to anyone caught driving while under the influence.”
Wheable stressed that enforcement would not be limited to the festive period. “This activity is not exclusive to December and will continue all year round,” he said. “If you make the choice to drive while under the influence, you are putting yourself and others at increased risk of a collision, with potentially devastating and life-changing consequences.”
The police and crime commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, praised the results: “The operation led to 118 arrests, sending a clear message that criminal and dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.”
PCC Sidwick told us drug driving, in particular, remained a priority and called for tougher sanctions alongside enforcement.
He said: “I have consistently lobbied for stronger penalties and greater awareness of the devastating impact drug driving can have on victims, families and communities.
“Robust enforcement, combined with tougher consequences, is essential if we are to change behaviour and prevent lives from being lost.”