Police forces across the country have begun their annual month-long festive crackdown on drink and drug driving.

Despite years of education and enforcement, the festive period remains a peak point of intoxicated driving, with younger drivers particularly vulnerable to temptation.

Motorists are being reminded that anyone caught driving while impaired can expect swift enforcement and serious consequences.

One for the road

The national operation, known as Operation Limit, is coordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and runs throughout December and into the New Year.

It brings together police forces across England and Wales in a concerted effort to target drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, at a time of year when celebrations, parties and late-night travel increase risks on the roads.

Under Operation Limit, participating forces will deploy a wide range of tactics, including high-visibility vehicle stops, roadside breathalyser and drug wipe testing, and intelligence-led patrols.

Alongside enforcement, officers will also take part in education and engagement events to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and encourage people to make safer choices.

Morning and night

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, officers will be stepping up patrols and enforcement activity across the region.

This includes early-morning patrols designed to catch drivers who may still be over the legal alcohol limit the day after drinking, an increasing area of concern and a common issue during the festive season.

Police will also be conducting roadside tests on motorists leaving Southampton Airport, targeting those who may have consumed alcohol while on holiday or during flights home.

Chief Inspector Emma Hart, from the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, says the consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating.

“Drink and drug driving kills and seriously injures people. The decision can be life-changing for you and the people around you, and there is absolutely no excuse for it,” she said.

She warned that the impact extends far beyond the immediate penalties.

“You will face serious consequences if we catch you driving while impaired from drink or drugs. You could lose your licence, and not having a car in the modern world can also mean you lose your job as a result. We’re asking everyone to take responsibility and help us save lives. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’re not fit to drive.”

Zero to zero

A similar message is being delivered in Greater Manchester, where officers will carry out roadside breathalyser and drug tests throughout the campaign.

The force says last year’s festive crackdown led to 570 arrests, underlining both the scale of the problem and the determination of officers to tackle it.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, from Greater Manchester Police’s Safer Transport Team, said enforcement would be relentless.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue,” he said.

“Our officers see the devastating impact of drink and drug driving far too often. We will be carrying out roadside checks right across Greater Manchester throughout December and will take action against anyone who thinks they can ignore the law.”

He added that education also plays an important role: “If we identify drivers with a lack of road safety awareness, we will aim to educate where possible.”

No gambling

Elsewhere, police and partners are combining enforcement with high-profile public awareness campaigns.

In Surrey, increased patrols will run alongside a digital campaign led by Surrey RoadSafe.

The campaign centres on the fictional concept “Road Risk Roulette”, fronted by a character called ‘Gambling Tommy’, played by Tommy Sandhu.

Appearing at moments when the risk of drink or drug driving is “on the cards”, the character uses the idea of gambling to highlight how impaired driving is a dangerous, life-changing risk.

Delivered through mobile-first video content, the campaign is designed to capture attention and deliver a clear message quickly: don’t gamble with drink or drug driving.

Party fun

Police leaders say the festive crackdown is about prevention as much as enforcement.

With more people travelling for social events, shopping and holidays, they are urging drivers to plan ahead by booking taxis, arranging lifts, or staying overnight, and to step in if friends or family are thinking of driving while impaired.

As Operation Limit gets underway, the message from police is clear: Celebrating is great, but know your limits.

One poor decision can have consequences that last far longer than the festive season.