Campaign against drink and drug driving launches across Greater Manchester
Police are targeting impaired driving ahead of the festive season
Greater Manchester Police has launched Operation Limit, as part of a national campaign running throughout December and into the New Year.
The initiative aims to prevent drinking and drug driving-related incidents and comes as part of efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
Operation Limit will see officers conducting roadside checks across every district of Greater Manchester until 1st January 2026.
These checks will focus on drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as other dangerous behaviours included in the Fatal Four offences: speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt, and impaired driving.
The campaign supports Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Officers will use roadside breathalysers and drug wipe tests to enforce the law.
During the same period last year, 570 arrests were made for impaired driving, demonstrating the problem’s prevalence and the importance of this campaign.
Chief Inspector Michael Parker from GMP’s Safer Transport Team said:
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue.
“Our officers see the devastating impact of drink and drug driving far too often. We will be carrying out roadside checks right across Greater Manchester throughout December and will take action against anyone who thinks they can ignore the law.
“Education is key. If we identify drivers with a lack of road safety awareness, we will aim to educate where possible.
“Driving under the influence can change your life, and the lives of others, in an instant. No night out is worth risking your life.
"I urge everyone in Greater Manchester to think twice before driving under the influence and to challenge anyone willing to take that risk.”
Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said:
“Operation Limit is a vital part of our commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in Greater Manchester.
“Drink and drug driving continues to cause heart-breaking and completely preventable harm, and we cannot allow it to put more people at risk.
“As we work towards our Vision Zero ambition to eliminate deaths and life-changing injuries on our roads by 2040, I’m asking people to plan ahead, make sensible decisions, and look after themselves and others this festive period.”
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways and Vice Chair of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership, said:
"Driving over the drink-drive limit or under the influence of drugs is illegal and puts lives at serious risk.
"Sadly, collisions caused by driver impairment remain a major factor in people being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Behind every statistic is a life forever changed or lost, leaving families and loved ones to mourn.
"We want everyone to think twice: if you’re planning to drink, leave the car at home. The risks are simply not worth it - you’re highly likely to get caught or cause real harm to yourself and others."