Police share this latest news. Ed
A total of 601 arrests for drink and drug driving were made across Hampshire, Isle of Wight and the Thames Valley during their Joint Roads Policing Unit Christmas campaign.
Operation Holly saw a further 352 charged and a further 175 released under further investigation.
In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, 254 drivers were caught under the influence of alcohol or drugs in their system, which is a 12.6 per cent increase from last year’s total of 222.
29 drivers were arrested on the Isle of Wight.
In Thames Valley, 347 drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is an 8.93 per cent increase from last year’s total of 316.
Over 75% arrested were men
Over three quarters of those drivers arrested were male, with the highest offending age group across the two force regions aged 21 to 30 – a considerable amount more than any other age group.
The operation ran from 1 December 2017 through to 1 January 2018 and was a combination of high visibility patrols, covert operations and intelligence-led policing aimed at targeting persistent offenders and drink and drug drivers.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report anyone they thought were a risk to 101, or Crimestoppers.
Rise in arrests
Sergeant Rob Heard, Roads Policing Joint Operations Unit for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary, said:
“We’ve seen a rise in the number of people we have arrested for drink or drug-driving. New legislation and equipment has made detecting drug drivers much easier and this resulted in 63 extra arrests. 25% of those were impaired by drugs.
“Our commitment in roads policing is unwavering towards preventing the distress and misery caused by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Such behaviour on our roads has far-reaching effects not just for the impaired driver, but for any innocent road users affected by their destructive decisions.
“The lives of individuals and their families can be torn apart through a combination of physical, psychological and legal consequences.
“Too many people continue to be complacent about the realities of road deaths and serious injuries. That’s why we want everyone to be clear about their responsibilities, and have respect for each other on the road.
“As in previous campaigns, we were greatly assisted by members of the public who passed us vital information and helped us take these drivers off the roads. Drink and drug-driving kills or injures people.
“Our message is simple – don’t mix drink or drugs with driving – it’s not worth the risk.”
Get in touch
Do you know someone who drinks or takes drugs and drives? Call police on 101 or, if it’s an emergency, dial 999. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
