More than 230 arrests made in Lancashire drink and drug driving crackdown over festive period
More than 230 people have been arrested for drink and drug driving offences across Lancashire during the Christmas period, police have revealed.
Police said a total of 234 arrests have been made over the four weeks of its festive road safety campaign, Operation Limit, which was launched earlier this month.
In the fourth and most recent week of the campaign alone, officers made 61 arrests as they carried out targeted patrols and roadside checks aimed at keeping roads safe during the busy festive period.
Police said that during the past week, 32 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving with excess drugs in their system, while 18 were arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol.
A further six people were arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, while one person was arrested for being in charge of a vehicle while unfit.
One driver was also arrested for being in charge of a vehicle while over the alcohol limit, and three people were arrested for failing to provide a breath test.
Officers said those arrested came from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, including people working in the airport, financial and retail industries, as well as students.
Police also highlighted several particularly high breath test readings recorded in the past seven days.
In Bamber Bridge, a woman was arrested after blowing 118 at the roadside - more than three times the legal limit.
In Morecambe, a woman blew 98, more than twice the legal limit, while in Leyland a man recorded a reading of 88, also more than double the legal limit.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Christmas time should be a season of comfort, connection and celebration, not unnecessary risk.
“The message is simple. If you have consumed alcohol or drugs, do not drive. One impaired decision can spoil the season for yourself and for others.”