Police arrest more drug than drink-drivers in World Cup campaign

Nearly one in four motorists stopped by police in Avon and Somerset during a dedicated drink and drug-driving campaign linked to the FIFA Men’s World Cup were arrested.

Photo © Avon & Somerset Police

Operation Limit ran throughout the tournament, with Roads Policing officers carrying out proactive patrols to identify drivers impaired through drink or drugs and prevent serious harm.

During dedicated enforcement shifts, primarily centred around England fixtures, Roads Policing officers stopped 465 motorists.

Those proactive patrols resulted in 113 arrests for suspected drink and drug-driving offences – almost one arrest for every four vehicles stopped.

The figures also highlight the growing prevalence of drug-driving. Of the suspected offences identified during the campaign, 82 related to suspected drug-driving and 31 to suspected drink-driving.

The majority of those arrested were male (85%), while more than half (57%) were aged between 25 and 40. A further 25% were aged between 41 and 60.

The operation also demonstrated the value of proactive and intelligence-led policing, with 21 arrests following intelligence-led stops and a further 13 resulting from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) activations.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Boiles said: “Operation Limit is about preventing harm by identifying drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs before they have the opportunity to cause a serious or fatal collision.

“While drink-driving remains a significant concern, the results from this operation show that drug-driving continues to be an increasingly prevalent issue on our roads. Since officers gained the ability to routinely test for drugs at the roadside, we’ve seen first-hand just how widespread it has become.

“Every driver who chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired is making a decision that puts themselves and everyone else at risk. Through proactive patrols, intelligence-led policing and information provided by the public, we will continue to target those who make that choice.”

Operation Limit formed part of a national campaign to reduce drink and drug-driving during the FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Many of the arrests followed information provided by members of the public about people suspected of regularly driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The operation also reinforced the links between Roads Policing and wider crime.

Of those arrested during the campaign, 16 were known to police as previous offenders of domestic abuse or violence against women and girls, highlighting how proactive enforcement on the road network can identify people linked to other forms of offending as well as improving road safety.

Insp Boiles added: “The people we stop are sometimes linked to other forms of offending, including domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

“Every proactive stop is an opportunity to identify risk, safeguard victims and take action where it’s needed. That’s why Roads Policing plays an important role not only in preventing collisions, but also in protecting our communities from wider harm.”