Over 3,000 Arrested in Devon & Cornwall Police Crackdown on Impaired Driving

In an extensive effort to combat drink and drug driving, Devon & Cornwall Police have announced the arrest of more than 3,000 individuals suspected of operating vehicles under the influence between January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. This announcement comes alongside the release of body-worn camera footage showcasing various instances where drivers were stopped, tested, and subsequently arrested.

A significant portion of these arrests, totalling 355, occurred during the month of December as part of Operation Limit, a focused enforcement campaign. This operation aimed to deter impaired driving during the holiday season, urging party-goers to make responsible travel arrangements and highlighting the grave consequences of driving while intoxicated. The public was also encouraged to report any instances of suspected impaired driving.

The breakdown of the December arrests includes 168 individuals apprehended for drunk driving, 86 for drug driving, and 89 for being unfit to drive due to the influence of substances, with an additional 12 arrests made for non-cooperation during roadside testing.

To emphasise the gravity of impaired driving, Devon & Cornwall Police have taken to social media to share footage of some arrests, underscoring the severe repercussions faced by those caught, including driving bans and criminal records.

Nationally, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) reported that 49,812 breath tests and 6,846 drug tests were administered in December as part of Operation Limit, leading to 6,616 arrests and 1,589 charges.

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson of the Roads Policing Team expressed both disappointment and satisfaction regarding the operation’s outcomes, stressing the continuous priority to apprehend those endangering lives by driving under the influence. The efforts were bolstered by community reports and the support of Vision Zero South West, which funded additional patrols and initiatives like the ‘Lift Legend’ campaign, rewarding designated drivers with free drinks for their role in ensuring safe transportation.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner and chairman of Vision Zero South West, condemned impaired driving as a selfish act with potentially fatal consequences. She emphasised the far-reaching impacts of such behaviour, including the risk of incarceration and the loss of livelihood.

The campaign and its results are part of ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of drink and drug driving, a leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. The police urge anyone suspecting impaired driving to contact emergency services with relevant information to help maintain road safety.