Drink and drug driving

We all have a choice – that is the message from Northamptonshire Police as its annual winter drink and drug campaign launches today (Monday, December 1).

Officers from the Force’s Roads Policing and Safer Roads Team will be leading the month-long National Police Chiefs’ Council’s crack down which aims to keep our roads safe over the festive period.

Operation Limit aims to educate road users on the consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to support this year’s annual campaign, the Force will be driving home the message of choice.

Across its social media channels, a series of thought-provoking questions will be posted asking people whether they would prefer a Christmas and New Year surrounded by loved ones or in the company of Northamptonshire Police.

The aim is to highlight that the choices we make before getting behind the wheel will not only impact on how and who we spend the festivities with, but also the life-changing consequences a drink or drug driving conviction has.

In addition to the online campaign, the Roads Policing and Safer Roads Teams will be carrying out extra patrols throughout December and into the New Year, with the support of colleagues from Response, Neighbourhood Policing, and the Special Constabulary.

There will also be proactive operations and roadside checks across the county held at various times including in the early morning when drivers could still be impaired from celebrations the night before.

Drink and drug driving is one of the main contributors in collisions and is one of the fatal five driving offences, alongside careless driving, not wearing a seat belt, excessive speed, and using a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel.

During last year’s campaign, 94 road users were charged with drink driving, 39 were arrested for failing a roadside drug test, while one was arrested on suspicion of both. This compared to 97 and 37 respectively for the same period in 2023.

As in previous years, drivers charged with drink driving during the winter campaign will again be named on the Northamptonshire Police website and shared on its social media accounts.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency when life is in immediate danger, always call 999. 

On Monday, December 1, Northamptonshire Police launched it's drink and drug drive campaign. 

To find out more about drink and drug limits, use the link below: