Devon & Cornwall Police have released body worn video footage showing drivers being stopped, breathalysed and arrested as part of a crackdown on drink and drug driving. Between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2024, Devon & Cornwall Police arrested more than 3,000 people on suspicion of drink or drug driving, including 355 arrests made as part of Op Limit during December.

The operation was supported by a month-long campaign which encouraged party-goers were to plan their journeys home; reminded them of the potential consequences if they were caught driving while under the influence, and encouraged the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers to the police.

Of the 355 arrests, 168 were arrested on suspicion of drink driving; 86 on suspicion of drug driving and 89 on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink and/or drugs. 12 arrests were also made for those refusing to cooperate at the roadside.

Footage of some of these arrests has been released on social media by Devon & Cornwall Police, to raise awareness of the consequences of impaired driving. People who are featured in the video have since received driving bans and now have a criminal record.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) recently revealed 49,812 breath tests and 6,846 drug tests were conducted nationally throughout December as part of Op Limit, resulting in 6,616 arrests with 1,589 people being charged.

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “During Op Limit we increased planned operational activity to catch drink and drug drivers who were putting other roads users at risk on the roads of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“Despite numerous warnings issued on local radio stations and on social media throughout December, 355 people took the risk on the roads of Devon and Cornwall.

“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.

“Drink and drug driving is one of the main causes of death and serious injury on our roads and catching motorists who put others at risk will remain a force priority.

“As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who have called us to report a drink or drug driver. This intelligence is really important and helps us to keep our roads safe.

“I would also like to thank Vision Zero South West who made funding available for increased resources which we used for additional targeted patrols throughout the festive period.

“And, lastly, I’d like to thank the venues that supported our ‘Lift Legend’ campaign, by rewarding designated drivers with free drinks as a ‘thank you’ for getting their friends and family members home safely; as well as everyone who volunteered to be the designated driver or who took our advice and planned their journey home.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, is chairman of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership who supported Op Limit throughout December.

The Commissioner said: “There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is a selfish act that needlessly endangers the lives of innocent people.

“The knock-on effects of drink-driving can also have a huge impact on your life – such as potentially losing your job and livelihood. You could even end up in prison - it’s simply never worth the risk.

“Every year hundreds of people are killed and seriously injured in the UK in drink-drive related crashes. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system makes you six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision and three times more likely to be killed yourself.

“I really hope this video prevents people from making a bad decision. The implications could be devastating.”

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.    If you would like to share intelligence in relation to someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please call 101 or fill in an intelligence form on our website: www.dc.police.uk.