Thames Valley Police begin drink and drug driving crackdown
Operation Limit will focus on making roads safer this festive season
As the festive season begins, Thames Valley Police are engaging in Operation Limit, a national campaign aimed at targeting drink and drug driving throughout December.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Justin Thomas, from the Thames Valley Roads Policing Unit, this initiative will include 24/7 activity from officers, with more drivers being stopped for roadside breath and drug tests.
The campaign will also rely on public reports of suspected drink or drug driving, ensuring swift action is taken in those cases.
DCI Thomas explained that December often brings to more casual attitudes around driving under the influence.
He said: "People start to relax in the build up to Christmas, start taking more risks and think it's OK to drink and drive or take drugs and then drive.
"Our message is that there is no safe limit. Don't drink and drive."
In the Christmas period last year, Thames Valley Police made over 400 arrests related to drink or drug driving.
DCI Thomas highlighted the far-reaching implications for anyone caught drink or drug driving.
Offenders face mandatory disqualification from driving for 12 months, potential loss of their job, and significantly higher insurance premiums.
Beyond financial and legal consequences, he stressed the devastating impact on families when lives are lost through road crashes caused by drivers under the influence.
DCI Thomas said: "We've all got a social responsibility when we get behind that wheel to make sure that we look out for other people on the road.
"People who are taking drink and drugs before driving are putting their life at risk, their passengers' lives at risk, and every other member of the public, and it's just not acceptable."
Operation Limit runs until 31st December, but Thames Valley Police will continue their checks throughout next year, ensuring consistent focus on keeping roads safe.