HUNDREDS of motorists across Avon and Somerset were arrested during December after being found to be over the limit for alcohol and/or drugs.
Avon and Somerset Police made 241 arrests as part of Operation Limit, a national policing operation aimed at reducing fatal and serious Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs).
Over the course of the month, various tactics were used to target drink and drug drivers, including stop-check sites, intelligence-led stops, public reports, and proactive patrols.
One arrest took place at the scene of a collision in Pucklechurch on December 14, in which a car containing five people hit a telegraph pole. Nobody in the vehicle suffered significant injuries.
A 17-year-old boy arrested at the scene was later charged with driving while over the alcohol limit, driving without a licence and without third-party insurance.
Drink driving accounted for 62% of arrests during the operation, while drug-riving offences accounted for 38%.
Drivers aged between 25-34 accounted for 32% of arrests, followed by the 35-44 age group (24%) and under-25s (20%). Of those arrest, 88% were male.
The highest number of arrests occurred in Somerset, where 80 people were found to be over the limit. This was followed by Bristol (66) and South Gloucestershire (46). North Somerset saw 36 arrests, and B&NES 14.
Although drink-driving accounts for 17 per cent of fatalities on UK roads, police say drug-driving poses an equally severe risk to road safety. Drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, can impair reaction times, coordination, and judgement, significantly increasing the likelihood of a serious collision.
Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Choosing to drive while impaired is not just illegal -it’s a deeply irresponsible act that can shatter lives in an instant. Every collision caused by drink or drug driving leaves behind a ripple effect of pain and heartbreak for families and communities.
“We’re grateful to everyone who shared information with us during this campaign. Every report helps us take decisive action and sends a strong message: drink and drug driving will not be tolerated on our roads.”
Road users risk up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a substantial driving ban if they are caught driving while above the legal limit. Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
241 drink and drug drive arrests in Operation Limit
