700+ arrested in Berkshire & North Hampshire drink-drugs drive crackdown
Police in Berkshire and Hampshire reveal results of Christmas campaign
Last updated 5th Jan 2023
The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police made more than 700 arrests as part of Operation Holly, the annual Christmas Drink and Drug Driving Campaign led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).
From 1 December to 31 December 2022, Police carried out targeted patrol activity in order to stop drivers and carry out drink and drug road side testing.
Across both force areas, 737 arrests were made.
Hampshire Police
286 arrests
Of the arrests made during the campaign, 153 were for drink driving and 133 were for drug driving.
Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:
"While I am pleased this year's campaign has been a success with so many arrests, there are still too many people continuing to get behind the wheel despite being under the influence.
"Anyone who drives after drinking or taking drugs is putting the lives of innocent people at risk. All too often drink or drug driving leads to devastating collisions where people are killed or seriously injured.
"Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to drive and we hope the message of this campaign gets through. It is never acceptable to drink or drug drive. It’s not worth the risk."
Thames Valley Police
451 arrests - an increase of 24% compared to last year.
Of those arrests made, 283 were for drink driving and 168 for drug driving.
There was also a 42% increase in arrests of those aged under 25 on last year with the figure rising to 101.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Operation Holly is carried out throughout the festive period every year and it’s disappointing to see that people are still getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
“We see all too often the devastating consequences that can result from this behaviour and I am pleased that we have managed to make so many arrests and prevent the potential harm that can be caused by drink and drug drivers.
“Our priority is to make the roads safer for everyone and we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having drank alcohol or used drugs.
“Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impact on your driving. It’s not worth the risk.”