Drink and drug driving arrests top 300 in Essex
Roads Policing Chief warns of ‘drug driving epidemic’
Last updated 22nd Dec 2025
Essex Police has arrested 357 people for drink and drug driving offences so far this December, with 225 of those arrests for drug driving alone, equating to more than 10 per day this month.
Head of Roads Policing, Adam Pipe, described the situation as a “drug driving epidemic” during the Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign. Police records show that nationwide, one in three fatal collisions involves someone with cocaine or cannabis in their system.
Mr Pipe highlighted that Essex Police are on track to make approximately 1,800 drug driving arrests this year, doubling figures from 2023 and 2024. He stressed the dangers posed by impaired drivers over the festive period, when people are more likely to take risks.
He said, “We tackle drug driving all year round, not just at Christmas, but we have stepped up our focus over the festive period as we know people often take greater risks at this time of year.
“The tests are accurate and are backed up by blood samples. Like with drink, if you’re over the drug driving limit you’re breaking the law.”
Mr Pipe added that legal cannabis products prescribed for medicinal purposes could still impair driving, warning that such cases are also targeted under their tests. He emphasised Essex Police’s efforts to crack down on drug dealers through Operation Raptor, achieving decades of prison sentences.
He concluded, "We’re facing a drug driving epidemic in Essex, and it can have fatal consequences. My officers will continue to be out across the county targeting those who pose a danger to you."
Essex Police is urging anyone who knows of a drink or drug driver to report it by contacting the force.