Merseyside Police report a staggering 508 arrests for drink and drug driving in December, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety.
Merseyside: The police have been busy, to say the least. Over 300 drivers were nabbed for drug-related offenses. Officers are shaking their heads, saying, “Some people still aren’t getting the message.”
In December alone, 508 arrests were made for drink and drug driving. This was all part of Operation Limit, which runs every year from December 1 to January 1. It’s a response to the potential rise in road accidents during the festive season.
The operation involved some teamwork with Lancashire Police. They even shared bodycam footage of drink driving arrests on social media. Plus, they set up stop-check sites and included drink and drug tests in regular vehicle checks.
Out of those 508 arrests, 110 were for alcohol-related offenses, while a whopping 360 were for drug driving. There were also 38 arrests for not complying with the checks.
Stuart McIver, the Roads Policing Chief Inspector, expressed his frustration. He said, “I’m pleased with the hard work of our officers, but it’s frustrating that some people still don’t get it.”
He emphasized that driving under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, is completely unacceptable. He noted that while drug driving isn’t as widely recognized as drink driving, the message is clear: Merseyside is not a safe place for it.
Emily Spurrell, Merseyside’s Police Commissioner, echoed these sentiments. She welcomed the police’s tough stance on drivers under the influence but pointed out that too many are still putting lives at risk.
She reminded everyone that it’s illegal to drive under the influence and that it can have devastating effects on victims’ families. Most road users are responsible, but she urged everyone to think carefully about their actions behind the wheel.
Spurrell also highlighted that the police conduct these tests year-round, not just during the holidays. So, she asked, “Are you fit to drive?” Safe behavior is crucial to reducing serious accidents on the roads.
