469 drug-drivers arrested in Merseyside over festive period
Merseyside Police arrested an average of 53 drug-drivers A WEEK in 2023
469 people were arrested for drug-driving across Merseyside in the six weeks until New Years Day.
Merseyside Police ran Operation Limit between 20 November and 1 January to tackle the issue of drink and drug-driving over the festive period.
The force also arrested 191 drink-drivers.
Overall, 123 more arrests were made over the same period compared to the previous year.
Roads Policing Inspector Stuart McIver said:
"What we are seeing here is an epidemic of drug driving – and it’s totally unacceptable. People who wouldn’t get in their car after a drink are getting behind the wheel after taking drugs, putting everyone else at risk.
"Astonishingly selfish"
"The people we’re arresting aren’t habitual drug users struggling with addiction – these are people using drugs recreationally and then choosing to drive. It’s astonishingly selfish. And there’s no excuse for it.
"The police’s stance on illegal substances is clear: nobody should be taking them. But even if you choose to break the law and take illegal drugs, that does not give you the right to endanger the lives of innocent people on the roads who have no way of knowing you are driving intoxicated.
"It's not acceptable"
"All the stigma and shame that goes with drink driving absolutely also needs to apply to drug driving. The 469 people we’ve arrested for drug driving could have gotten a taxi. Could have gotten a lift. Could have gotten the bus. Could have stayed at home. But they didn’t. They arrogantly put their own convenience above the safety of everyone else in Merseyside.
"This year’s Operation Limit might have finished – but we haven’t finished tackling drug driving. It’s not acceptable, it will not be tolerated, and we will be cracking down on this all year round."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:
"While these are excellent results from Merseyside Police, it is profoundly worrying that so many individuals would get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.
"To make the decision to get into a car and drive on our region’s roads around children, families and innocent people while intoxicated is not only selfish but completely unacceptable.
"Merseyside Police is determined to crack down on those selfish individuals who put their own convenience before the lives of others. I hope these numbers act as a stark reminder to everyone that, no matter what time of year, driving while under the influence will never be tolerated here on Merseyside."
Anyone convicted of drug driving can face up to six months in prison, an unlimited fine and potentially a one-year driving ban.