Worst offenders as Lancashire Police arrest 173 people in Christmas drink and drug driving crackdown
More than 170 drivers have been arrested in the run up to Christmas, as Lancashire Police crack down on drink and drug driving.
Earlier this month, the force launched Operation Limit, reminding drivers of the serious consequences of drink and drug driving over the festive period.
Last week - the third week of the campaign - officers made 56 arrests, bringing the three week total to 173 arrests across the county.
These included a person working in the construction industry, engineering industry, motor trade, hospitality industry and students, to name just a few professions.
A police spokesperson said: “Our officers are committed year-round to protecting Lancashire’s roads, but Christmas adds extra pressures as busier roads and festive gatherings heighten the dangers.
“The message is clear: if you have consumed alcohol or drugs, you must not drive. Do not jeopardise lives through selfish or reckless behaviour.”
Numbers and worst offenders
In the last week, 23 drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving with excess drugs and 16 on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol.
Nine people were arrested for driving while unfit through drink/drugs, while four spent time in custody for being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drinks/drugs.
One person was arrested for being in charge of a vehicle when in excess of the alcohol limit, and three for failing to provide a breath test.
The force said there were three particularly high readings officers dealt with in the last seven days...
- A man involved in a collision on the M55 blew 118 at the roadside - over three times the legal limit!
- On Holly Mount Way, Rossendale, a woman was breath tested and blew 105 – three times the legal limit.
- On Beach Street, Lytham, a man blew 90 at the roadside, over two times the legal limit.