Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has welcomed the results of an annual policing operation targeting drink and drug driving in the lead-up to Christmas.

Operation Limit involved 44 police forces across England and Wales and saw more than 65,000 vehicles stopped and nearly 50,000 alcohol breath tests conducted.

Figures published by the National Police Chiefs Council reveal just under 10 per cent (4,716) were positive, failed or the driver refused to cooperate while close to 50 per cent of drug tests (48.5%) were positive. Police made a total of 6,846 arrests.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC, which has made Road Safety a key priority in her Police and Crime Plan, welcomed the campaign’s success but warned too many drivers were continuing to flout the law.

“Drivers who put the lives of themselves and other road users in danger through alcohol or drugs deserve to pay the price for their recklessness and selfishness,” said the Commissioner, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ (APCC) lead on drink and drug driving.

“While these figures highlight that too many motorists are still taking the risk, I am grateful for these tough enforcement campaigns that bring many more to justice. I hope they serve as a warning to other motorists who get behind the wheel when they are unfit to drive that the police are just one step away from catching up with them. 

“The festivities of Christmas and New Year drive many to take risks that are out of character, but this is never an excuse. I am pleased our police forces dedicate extra resources to the safety of our roads during this time but drink and drug driving is a problem all year round. We need to work even harder to protect road users from these preventable dangers.

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She added: “Society’s attitude towards drink driving changed many years ago. Nevertheless, the fact that half of those stopped and tested for drug driving during this short campaign failed is deeply concerning. More education is needed to highlight the perils of driving with drugs and to remind motorists of their moral as well as their legal responsibilities when getting behind the wheel.

“We also need the full support of the public in bringing these drivers to the attention of the police before they have an opportunity to inflict harm on innocent people. This is something we have promoted strongly in Durham in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, ensuring residents know they can report information about drink or drug drivers 100 per cent anonymously via 0800 555 111.  

“As PCC, I will continue to push for road policing to be given the high priority it deserves nationally with the funding and resources needed to make our roads safer for all.”