More than 100 drivers under the influence arrested

We will never stop sounding like a broken record when it comes to road safety.

More than 100 drivers under the influence of drink or drugs were taken off the roads during the force’s latest Operation Limit.

Nearly 1,500 roadside checks were carried out last month under the specialist operation which targets those who choose to put others at risk over the festive period.

A total of 42 drivers were arrested for drink driving but 64 were locked up for drug driving.

A further 18 drivers were arrested for being unfit to drive through drugs and six people were arrested for failing to provide a specimen.

Compared to 2023, officers have seen the amount of drink drivers decrease slightly but those driving under the influence of drugs has increased with 11 more arrests for this offence.

Officers target those who drive under the influence all-year-round and are stepping up targeted testing with the launch of Operation Take Off which tests those leaving the region’s airports after returning from holiday.

Inspector Andy Howarth, of the force’s Roads and Armed Policing Unit, said he wanted to thank those drivers who had taken part in the operation and adhered to the law but that the team would never stop targeting those who drive under the influence.

He said: “Enforcement against drink and drug driving is our daily business and something we do the full year.

“Operation Limit is run during the month of December and is a National Campaign during the festive period. This year we arrested 130 individuals committing offences on our roads and making our roads unsafe. We also conducted 1,489 roadside checks across various locations in the county and would like to thank those drivers who cooperated.

“Drivers were supportive of the operation and the activity carried out but we have noticed an increase in drug driving arrests, and we will continually look to target those individuals on our roads through regular stop checks and intelligence-led policing.

“We would like to remind drivers of the consequences of being over the limit, a hefty fine, driving ban and a criminal conviction. Please remember life is precious.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen added: "Drink or drug driving is a selfish and inexcusable act. It is vital our justice system sufficiently punishes those who recklessly gamble with people’s lives.  We must do everything we can to prevent those who drive under the influence of any substance from harming innocent people in the future.

“I hope these tough enforcement campaigns serve as a timely warning to motorists who get behind the wheel when they are unfit to drive that the police are just one step away from catching up with them.  I’d also like to see those testing positive for alcohol or drugs to pay for the roadside test and administration fee, which may give some people food for thought. 

“The festivities of Christmas and New Year mean people may be tempted to take risks that are out of character, but this is never an excuse. I am pleased to see extra resources invested in the safety of our roads at that time of year, but drink and drug driving is a problem all-year-round. We will continue our work to protect road users from these preventable dangers.”