Hundreds of motorists were arrested for drink and drug driving offences across Avon and Somerset during December's festive period risking huge penalties.
According to official reports, a total of 241 arrests were made as part of Operation Limit, a national policing initiative aimed at reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
The operation employed various tactics throughout the month, including stop check sites, intelligence-led stops, public reports and proactive patrols to catch impaired drivers.
The crackdown by Avon and Somerset Police was part of a broader effort to protect road users during the Christmas period, with officers working to remove dangerous drivers from the region's roads.
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Drink driving accounted for 62 per cent of the arrests during the operation, while drug driving made up 38 per cent of offences.
The highest number of arrests occurred in Somerset, where 80 motorists were caught over the limit. Bristol followed with 66 arrests and South Gloucestershire with 46.
Drivers aged between 25-34 were the most frequent offenders, accounting for 32 per cent of arrests, followed by those aged 35-44 at 24 per cent.
Under-25s made up 20 per cent of all arrests during the operation while the vast majority of offenders were male, accounting for 88.4 per cent of all arrests.
North Somerset recorded 36 arrests, while Bath and North East Somerset saw 14 motorists caught during the December operation.
One notable arrest during the operation took place in Pucklechurch on December 14, where a car carrying five people collided with a telegraph pole.
Fortunately, none of the vehicle's occupants suffered significant injuries in the crash. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with multiple offences, including driving while over the alcohol limit.
The teenager was also charged with driving without a licence and without third party insurance. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month to face the charges.
In the Avon and Somerset Force area, 55 fatal and serious injury collisions since the start of 2024 have been linked to drink and drug driving.
Drug driving remains a critical concern, with substances like cannabis and cocaine known to impair coordination and increase collision risks.
Under UK law, drivers could be fined £2,500 and receive up to three months’ imprisonment as well as a possible driving ban if caught by police while under the influence.
Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety said: "Throughout the festive period, 241 individuals made the reckless decision to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Thanks to proactive policing and public support, we've ensured they are no longer a threat to others on the road."
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He added: “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.”
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According to official reports, a total of 241 arrests were made as part of Operation Limit, a national policing initiative aimed at reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
The operation employed various tactics throughout the month, including stop check sites, intelligence-led stops, public reports and proactive patrols to catch impaired drivers.
The crackdown by Avon and Somerset Police was part of a broader effort to protect road users during the Christmas period, with officers working to remove dangerous drivers from the region's roads.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Drink driving accounted for 62 per cent of the arrests during the operation, while drug driving made up 38 per cent of offences.
The highest number of arrests occurred in Somerset, where 80 motorists were caught over the limit. Bristol followed with 66 arrests and South Gloucestershire with 46.
Drivers aged between 25-34 were the most frequent offenders, accounting for 32 per cent of arrests, followed by those aged 35-44 at 24 per cent.
Under-25s made up 20 per cent of all arrests during the operation while the vast majority of offenders were male, accounting for 88.4 per cent of all arrests.
North Somerset recorded 36 arrests, while Bath and North East Somerset saw 14 motorists caught during the December operation.
One notable arrest during the operation took place in Pucklechurch on December 14, where a car carrying five people collided with a telegraph pole.
Fortunately, none of the vehicle's occupants suffered significant injuries in the crash. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with multiple offences, including driving while over the alcohol limit.
The teenager was also charged with driving without a licence and without third party insurance. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month to face the charges.
In the Avon and Somerset Force area, 55 fatal and serious injury collisions since the start of 2024 have been linked to drink and drug driving.
Drug driving remains a critical concern, with substances like cannabis and cocaine known to impair coordination and increase collision risks.
Under UK law, drivers could be fined £2,500 and receive up to three months’ imprisonment as well as a possible driving ban if caught by police while under the influence.
Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety said: "Throughout the festive period, 241 individuals made the reckless decision to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Thanks to proactive policing and public support, we've ensured they are no longer a threat to others on the road."
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He added: “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.”
Find Out More...