Officers arrested 233 drivers for drink or drug offences during Operation Limit in 2022 and launched this year’s campaign efforts on December 1, which will run until New Year’s Day.
Thousands of motorists will be stopped in Sussex during the festive period to combat the scourge of inebriated drivers – one of the main causes of death and injury on the roads.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who also is the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “Drink driving destroys lives, but tragically every day reckless drivers get behind the wheel and put themselves and others at risk.
“People who consume alcohol or drugs and then drive need to be stopped. Our campaign aims to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.
“That’s why we are calling on the public and friends of drink drivers to prevent and persuade them from getting behind the wheel, but if they do, then report them to the police.”
The force said it will be publishing the names of some of those who are convicted of drink and drug-driving offences in this year’s campaign but is urging people to act against anyone who is considering driving whilst inebriated.
Officers want people to book a taxi or walk home rather than drive, or if they see someone who is drunk or on drugs about to drive a vehicle, they should try and dissuade them from doing so or call the police.
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.
“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.
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“We will deal robustly with offenders. So while our officers can’t be everywhere, they could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I regularly hear from residents just how important road safety is to them and this operation is just one of many ways Sussex Police are tackling dangerous and careless drivers.
“We know most drivers are using our road networks sensibly but, it only takes a careless or selfish minority to cause tragic and fatal consequences. It might be difficult to report someone you know for drink or drug-driving but, the truth is, it could save theirs and others’ lives.”
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