More than 200 arrested in Hampshire drink and drug driving crackdown
Police have released details of Operation Holly
Last updated 6th Jan 2022
More than a thousand drivers were stopped as part of Hampshire Police's annual festive drink and drug driving crackdown.
288 people were arrested across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 168 for drink driving and 120 for drug driving.
The force released further stats of their campaign:
• 139 drug wipes were carried out, with 67 positive results – 48.2% of those tested
• The age group with the most positive breath tests and drug wipes combined was 35-49 (28.96% of total) followed by 25-34 (25.56%).
• Those aged 25-34 had the highest percentage of positive breath tests (36.36%) followed by 35-49 (31.81%).
• Those aged 17-24 had the highest percentage of positive drug wipes (32.83%), closely followed by 25-34 (31.34%) and 35-49 (28.35%).
Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of Hampshire & Thames Valley Police Road Safety Unit, said:
“These figures show that we will not tolerate drink or drug driving on the roads of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“The percentage of positive breath test results reflects what we already know – that the vast majority of road users follow the rules. I would like to thank everyone who drove responsibly over the festive season and helped to keep our roads safe.
“On the other hand, the percentage of positive drug wipes shows that drug driving remains an issue, across several age groups.
“Although the operation has ended, we are still policing our roads and arresting drink and drug drivers on a daily basis. Make sure you drive responsibly so your name is not added to that list.
“Our advice is clear. Drinking alcohol or taking any drug, even if prescribed, can affect your ability to drive safely - so it’s not worth the risk.”
Driving while impaired through drink or drugs can increase the chances of people being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.
If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.