24% increase in arrests during December’s drinking and driving clamp down is 'disappointing'

The annual Christmas drink and drink campaign saw Devon and Cornwall police making 233 arrests. 

The Christmas Operation Limit campaign ran between Thursday 1 December 2022 and Sunday 1 January 2023. This year's figures are an increase on last year's, which saw 188 arrests. This is an increase of 24%. 

Of the 233 arrests, 144 were on suspicion of drink driving, 84 on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and five on suspicion of failing to provide a sample for analysis. Some drivers were arrested on suspicion of multiple offences. 

Of the 144 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving related offences, 113 were men, 30 were women and one unknown. The youngest person arrested was 17 years old and the oldest was 72. The average age of those arrested was 38 years old.

Superintendent Ryan Doyle is part of the specialist operations department. He said: "Too many people, who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause – those arrested were not necessarily your 'usual' suspects.

"I, and too many of my colleagues have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence. The pain this causes to victims' families and loved ones is devastating, and entirely preventable.

"As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver. Our enforcement efforts will of course continue all year round and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping our roads safe."

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership who supported the Force's drink and drug driving campaign over Christmas.

She said: "There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a selfish act that needlessly endangers the lives of innocent people.

"While I'm dismayed that this many drivers have seen fit to undertake this lethal activity over the festive period, I am glad that so many have been caught and will now face justice for their crime.

"As well as being incredibly dangerous, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also carries a driving ban, which will cost some people their jobs, their livelihoods and even their families. In some cases you could even end up in prison. It's just not worth it."

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you should call 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.