Record number of arrests in Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers

A record number of people have been arrested as Sussex Police concludes its Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers.

Officers were out across the county providing education and enforcement as part of the annual operation, which ran from 1 December to 1 January.

The force also heavily publicised the campaign in an effort to raise awareness of the risks of drink and drug-driving – this included multiple social media posts, leaflets, posters and even petrol pump messaging.

Despite this, a total of 279 people were arrested. Of those, so far 97 have been charged to appear in court and some have already been convicted.

In keeping with previous years, we will continue to publicly identify anyone convicted of drink or drug-driving during this campaign to raise awareness of the issue and to act as a deterrent to others from committing the same offence.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who is also the roads policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “I’m extremely disappointed that so many people continue to risk their life – and others’ – by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Drink and drug-driving continues to be one of the five most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions in Sussex, and every year we see families’ lives torn apart by the selfish minority who still think it is acceptable to drive over the limit.

“We know that with more social events over the festive season, there is a tendency for more people to take that risk and drive having consumed drink or drugs. But it is still unacceptable and inexcusable, and we will continue to target offenders and keep all road users safe 365 days a year; not just at Christmas.”

A total of 165 arrests were made for drug-driving during the campaign and 134 for drink-driving (299 arrests in total). A number of people were arrested on suspicion of both offences (279 people arrested in total).

Of the arrests made, 243 were male; 51 female; five unspecified.

This compares to 270 arrests made in 2024/25 and 261 arrests made in 2023/24.

There was a particular focus on educating people around drug-driving this campaign, as many road users said they were unaware that they could still be impaired by drugs – both legal and illegal – for several days or even weeks after consuming them.

Chief Constable Shiner added: “We’re seeing more and more people arrested for drug-driving, and quite often they tell us they weren’t aware they could still be impaired. The bottom line is if you are unsure, do not take the risk. You could lose your licence, your job, or your life. You could also kill other innocent road users, as we have sadly seen a number of times in Sussex in recent years.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the numerous officers and staff involved in this campaign, especially those officers who have stood out in the howling wind and pouring rain at any hour of the day or night, committed to keeping people safe and dealing robustly with offenders.

“If you drive under the influence of drink or drugs and have never been arrested, let this be a wake up call to you. Think you won’t get caught? Think again.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Drugs on wheels – a concerning trend and a one-way ticket to disaster on our roads.

“Every time someone makes that choice, they put their own lives at risk as well as the lives of other road users.

“The record number of arrests during the latest Operation Limit campaign sends a clear message - Sussex Police will not tolerate this behaviour.

“It will continue to educate drivers and enforce the law all year round and deal robustly with those who break it.

“Be warned - if you drink or take drugs and drive, the chances are you will be caught.”

The consequences of drink or drug-driving could include:

• Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else;
• A minimum 12-month ban;
• An unlimited fine;
• A possible prison sentence;
• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
• An increase in your car insurance costs;
• Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online. www.crimestoppers-uk.org