Results of drink/drug drive campaign

On 1 December, Lincolnshire Police launched their drink and drug drive campaign – Operation Limit.

Through this road safety campaign, they warned people of the consequences of driving over the limit for alcohol or drugs, and carried out enforcement to keep our roads safe.

They have now updated the number of people arrested for drink/drug driving offences in December to 132. Of the 132 arrests, 86 related to alcohol and 46 related to drugs.

Along with seatbelts, carelessness, distraction and speed, drink/drug driving is one of the #fatal5 offences and therefore a priority for us to tackle on Lincolnshire’s roads.

Inspector Jason Baxter of the Roads Policing Unit said: “We deal with fatal collisions on a weekly basis, many of which are the result of someone committing a #fatal5 offence. Don’t let this be you. When you get behind the wheel, don’t take deadly risks.

“Take care, wear a seatbelt, don’t speed, don’t let yourself be distracted and never drive over the limit. If every person did this we would see a significant reduction in the numbers killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

Pictured: Insp Jason Baxter at the Saxilby Road operation

The campaign launched with an enforcement operation which took place on 1 December on Saxilby Road in Lincoln. During this operation, 107 vehicles were pulled over. We are pleased to report that none of the 107 drivers were found to be over the limit. Rather than annoyance at the slight inconvenience, we found those stopped were very supportive and understood why we do this.

Pictured: Officer directing traffic for stop checks at the 1 December operation launch

Insp Baxter said: “We found no drivers over the limit for drink or drugs and we count this as a success. Far from being a waste of time, it was an opportunity to get that message across that you could be stopped on any journey and to remind drivers that the risks of drink or drug driving are a fine, a driving ban, and a criminal conviction. Our message for December remains relevant for 2024, we can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere. These enforcement operations don’t just happen in December, they happen throughout the year and target all of the #fatal5 offences. So drive safely, and if you are out drinking, arrange a taxi, or have a designated driver. Remember that you could still be over the limit the following morning.”

As part of this campaign, the consequences of causing a fatal collision were poignantly highlighted with a new video ‘delivering the message’ where Sgt Mike Templeman talks about the trauma a family experience when we tell them their loved one has died on our roads. In the video, he explains: “When you approach the house, sometimes you can hear people laughing inside. And it just makes it all the more horrendous knowing that what you’re about to tell them is going to stop that laughter.” 

Watch ‘delivering the message’ here: