Caught in the Act: Hundreds Arrested for Drink and Drug Driving Across Devon and Cornwall

Record Arrests During Op Limit Campaign

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Roads Policing Team stepped up efforts to tackle drink and drug driving last December as part of a national campaign. Known as Op Limit, the campaign is designed to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence and encourage the public to report suspected offenders.

This intensified focus led to the arrest of 284 people, with 178 of these cases involving suspicion of drink driving. Of those arrested for drink driving, 79% were male, and most offenders fell within the 17 to 45 age range.

On Christmas Day alone, police arrested 11 people on suspicion of drink driving, while one man tested positive for cocaine at the roadside. New Year’s Eve and the early hours of New Year’s Day saw a further seven arrests for driving under the influence.

Chief Inspector Dean Drury from the Roads Policing Team commented on the operation:

“While it is disappointing to see so many people arrested on suspicion of drink and drug drive related offences, I am pleased that our increased efforts to tackle those drivers has resulted in so many arrests and potential convictions.

“This intelligence is really important and helps us to keep roads in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly safe for all road users. Our officers witness the aftermath of collisions all too often, from serious injuries to fatalities and the impact on those families, and so are entirely committed to catching and removing impaired drivers from our roads.”

Public Support Leads to Safer Roads

The campaign’s success was bolstered by public involvement, with 227 calls made to report suspected drink or drug drivers in December alone. Many of these reports directly resulted in arrests, demonstrating the importance of community participation in road safety efforts.

Tackling the Fatal Five

The Roads Policing Team continues to focus on the Fatal Five—the primary causes of serious collisions:

• Not wearing a seatbelt.
• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
• Distraction, including mobile phone use.
• Excessive or inappropriate speed.
• Driving without due care and attention.

The team also works alongside the No Excuse Team to target these behaviours and reduce road injuries and deaths.

Education and Outreach

The Force’s Road Casualty Reduction Team plays a significant role in raising awareness. By partnering with other organisations, they deliver educational programmes on topics such as:

• Older driver safety.
• Child car seat safety.
• Agricultural vehicle safety.

These efforts align with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidelines and include specialist engagement days to target at-risk groups.

Collaboration for Safer Roads

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, highlighted the importance of proactive enforcement and partnership efforts:

“Drink and drug drivers bring far too much death and injury to Devon and Cornwall. Until that ceases to be the case I will support robust enforcement of the law and continue working with others as part of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.

“My new police and crime plan has a specific focus on targeting criminality of all types on the roads. That’s because it matters to the residents of Devon and Cornwall who we serve.”

Report Suspected Offenders

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 999 immediately with details of the vehicle and its direction of travel. For intelligence about individuals who regularly drive under the influence, call 101 or submit an intelligence form on the Devon and Cornwall Police website.

By combining enforcement, education, and public involvement, Devon and Cornwall Police are making strides towards safer roads for everyone.