72 arrested for drink or drug driving in December

We arrested 64 people for drink driving related offences in December.  We arrested a further eight after positive drug wipe tests.   

We made the arrests as part of Op Limit, the national enforcement operation that aims to improve road safety and disrupt criminal activity.  

People who drive under the influence of drink and/or drugs have a significantly higher risk of being involved in a serious collision.  

That’s why our enforcement activities are so important to remove these dangerous and selfish drivers from our roads.   

We know that drink and drug drivers are also more likely to be involved in wider criminality. This was shown during the operation as people were also arrested for no insurance, driving without a licence, failing to stop, assault, actual bodily harm, criminal damage and theft of vehicle offences. 

In a truly shocking incident during the operation, we arrested an HGV driver after he was spotted swerving across the M40. He has since lost his job and his licence HGV driver banned for drink driving on M40 motorway | Warwickshire Police   Another drink driver sentenced in December received a five-year ban and fines after a collision on the A46. Officers found a bottle of vodka in the car. More info https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16FEYt84hc/  

Inspector Si Paull said “We do not apologise for being tough on anyone who chooses to drink or take drugs and drive in Warwickshire.  All those sentenced can expect to be disqualified from driving for at least a year. Some for much longer. The only safe option is not to drink and drive at all.” 

Education is key to encourage responsible driving and we shared information and resources from Department for Transport’s THINK campaign, National Highways, and Crimestoppers across our and Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership social media accounts throughout December. 

Where appropriate we also referred suspected drink and drug drivers to support services in Warwickshire. 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 [email protected]  

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/