Gloucestershire Constabulary launches winter anti-drink and drug driving campaign

Gloucestershire Constabulary has joined police forces across the country in launching the annual Christmas campaign aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by drink and drug driving this festive season.

Operation Limit aims to educate drivers about the dangers and consequences they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

The campaign was launched on Monday 1 December and will run until Thursday 1 January to ensure that motorists are enjoying the festive period while driving in a safe and legal way.

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.

Drivers who combine alcohol and drugs are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than sober drivers, and police are aiming to make motorists aware of how long drink and drugs can stay in their body for.

That's why motorists can expect to see officers from Local Policing, Neighbourhood Policing, the Special Constabulary and Specialist Operations taking part in more roadside traffic stops in both urban and rural areas across the county.

Enforcement action will also see the Special Constabulary and Camera Enforcement Units conducting a number of proactive operations and Roads Policing officers making targeted patrols in hot spot areas.

Inspector Martyn Murawa from Specialist Operations said: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue. 

"With festive catch-ups and get-togethers fast approaching, motorists are reminded to plan ahead and think about how they will get home, be it appointing a designated driver, booking a taxi or using public transport. Do not take the risk – it could cost lives.

"We want to do everything we can to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are as safe as possible this Christmas."

Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Road Safety Partnership said: "Keeping Gloucestershire’s roads safe is a shared responsibility, and this annual campaign is a vital reminder of the dangers posed by drink and drug driving.

"Every decision behind the wheel matters. One reckless choice can cost lives.

"Drugs can stay in your system for days and there no ‘safe’ amount of alcohol to consume before driving.

"We urge everyone to plan ahead, make sensible arrangements, and help us protect our communities this festive season.

"Never get behind the wheel with drink or drugs in your system."

Cllr. Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: "It’s incredibly sad that people lose their lives or are injured on Gloucestershire’s roads – it’s devastating to our families and communities.

"Please do take extra care this festive season – don’t take risks with alcohol or drugs and enjoy yourself safely."

If you are concerned someone is drink or drug driving, or is planning to, report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively you can report information anonymously to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The multi-partnership campaign in Gloucestershire is co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner as part of the Road Safety Partnership.