More than 270 arrested in Lancashire Police Christmas drink and drug-driving crackdown
More than 270 people were arrested for drink or drug driving on Lancashire’s roads over Christmas.
Lancashire Police confirmed 271 arrests were made during Operation Limit, a countywide crackdown running throughout December aimed at keeping roads safe during the festive period.
Of those arrested, 82 drivers were over the legal alcohol limit, while 124 were found to be driving with excess drugs in their system.
Officers also dealt with offences including being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs and failing to provide a breath test.
Police said the figures broadly mirror last year’s results, although arrests between December 29 and January 1 rose by 18 per cent, with 45 people detained compared to 38 over the same period in 2024.
Officers carried out 648 breath tests during the operation, uncovering some high readings - including a 54-year-old woman in the Bamber Bridge area who blew 118, more than three times the legal limit, before failing to provide a sample in custody.
The legal alcohol limit in England is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
Other cases included a 42-year-old woman in Morecambe who blew 98 at the roadside, and a 53-year-old man in Chorley who blew 88 following a road traffic collision.
Chief Inspector John Jennings-Wharton, of Lancashire Police’s roads policing unit, said the scale of offending was “shocking” and highlighted the devastating impact impaired driving can have on families.
He said: “To think that people willingly impair their driving with drink or drugs is truly appalling.
“It shows a total disregard for the law and for the safety of other road users.
“While these arrest figures are shocking, they are slightly lower than they were last year. Regardless, I’m not naïve to the fact that offenders are continuing to drive on Lancashire’s roads after drinking or taking drugs. My message to those people is this: we will find you and arrest you.”
He added that while drink and drug-driving campaigns are highly visible at Christmas, enforcement takes place all year round, with summer also a peak period.
“This December, there have been three fatalities and nine life-changing or life-threatening collisions on Lancashire’s roads - five of those, almost half, are being investigated for impaired driving.
“That’s five families that have been devastated this Christmas which were completely avoidable. Enough is enough. Think before you drive.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said he remained “shocked and disappointed” by the number of people willing to take the risk.
“Drink or drug driving is unacceptable,” he said.
“One person putting themselves and others in danger is one too many, and I will continue to support targeted operations like Operation Limit to keep Lancashire’s roads safe.”
Police are urging members of the public to report suspected drink or drug drivers.
If someone is about to drive, always call 999.
Reports can also be made anonymously via Lancashire Police’s website or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.