There’s no excuse for drink or drug driving this Christmas as officers increase their enforcement activity across Warwickshire in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year.

Whilst the vast majority of drivers would never drink or take drugs and drive, it is sadly a choice a small number of reckless and selfish drivers still take.   In doing so, they increase their risk of being involved in a collision, and of ruining the lives of innocent individuals and families.   This is completely unacceptable and avoidable.

During Operation Limit, all drivers who are involved in a collision will be asked to provide a roadside breath test or drug wipe.  But police and partners do not want anyone who is over the limit or taking drugs to get in a car and drive at all.

That’s why Warwickshire Police is encouraging the public and CCTV operators to report the details of suspected drink and drug drivers to them by calling 101 or in an emergency 999.   If you prefer to stay 100% anonymous, Crimestoppers UK is calling on the public to do something about it by calling them on 0800 555 111 or fill in their online form.

On average, over 1,800 people are killed or seriously injured on UK roads as a result of drink and/or drug driving (STATS19 data) and the operation aims to reduce these numbers.  But drink and drug drivers also crash into parked vehicles causing thousands of pounds of damage, often leaving the owner to pay for repairs. 

Inspector Si Paull of Warwickshire Police said “During the operation, we will be taking an intelligence led approach to ensure resources are deployed effectively and to target hotspot areas.

“Whilst enforcement is the only option for some drivers, our first choice will always be to educate the public to help change their behaviour to not drink or take drugs and drive.  We will be doing this by sharing resources and information on social media throughout December in partnership with the Department for Transport’s THINK campaign, National Highways, and Crimestoppers. “

“Due to the seriousness of the offence, we will be publicising drink and drug driving related arrests, charges and sentences during December.   We will also be sharing the excuses that some drivers will inevitably come up with for drink or drug driving.”

Warwickshire Police will also be referring suspected drink and drug drivers to support services in Warwickshire for help and support. If you are addicted to drink or drugs, you can also self-refer.

Please follow Warwickshire Police on Facebook @WarwickshirePolice and on X @WarksPolice and Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership @WarwickshireRoadSafety and @WarksRoadSafety

Notes for editors

Drugs and driving: the law – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Drink-driving penalties – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There are a range of local services for adults and young people affected by alcohol and/or drugs.

Change Grow Live (CGL) can support anyone aged 18+ with any concerns about their drug and/or alcohol use and have hubs in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. CGL offer personalised 1-1 care and group support.

For more information see: https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire 

Or call 01926 353 513

Or email Warwickshire.Info@cgl.org.uk 

You can refer yourself or refer someone else into the service at https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-warwickshire/referrals 

Compass can support children and young people aged 5-25 with any substance misuse issues or concerns including drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping. Compass offer age appropriate information, 1:1 support and group work for any individual needing support with their own substance use, or who have been affected by another’s drug and alcohol use.

For more information and online referral form see:

https://www.compass-uk.org/services/warwickshire-cypdas/ 

Or call: 01788 578 227

For more information see https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/alcohol