Operation Limit: targeting drink/drug driving

Update, 4 December: stop checks in Lincoln

On Monday 2 December, our Officers turned out in force to engage on, and enforce against drink/drug driving in Lincolnshire. The stop check point, on Saxilby Road, at the Grandstand in Lincoln, saw vehicles pulled over and drivers asked to take a voluntary breath test. 

We are pleased to update that the number of drivers found to be over the limit was zero, and the drivers stopped understood and supported the operation. 

Inspecter Jason Baxter saw the result as a success. He said, “When we run these operations, we are very happy to not catch anyone over the limit. It shows the message is getting through. We would like to thank the drivers stopped for their cooperation. Far from being irritated at the minor disruption to their journey, they were supportive of our activity. The vast majority of people are absolutely united in seeing drink/drug driving as reckless, irresponsible and dangerous. So our actions to tackle those who take such a risk are generally welcomed.”    

Stop checks will continue under Operation Limit throughout December.

More on Operation Limit 

Through this road safety campaign, we are warning people of the consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs in their system and spelling out the penalties if you are caught.

Under Operation Limit, Officers will be carrying out extra patrols with checkpoints at key locations for breathalyser testing.

Inspector Jason Baxter (pictured) of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Enforcement against drink and drug driving is part of our daily business and something we do year round. Operation Limit is about focussing and reinforcing these efforts throughout December – a month in which we know the festive period sees more people out celebrating. We are reminding drivers of the consequences of being over the limit which can include a hefty fine, a driving ban, and a criminal conviction.”

Officers will be at various locations throughout the month of December. Insp Baxter explained why: “We want the threat of being caught to act as a deterrent as well as making sure that the people using our roads are fit to do so. It’s a potentially deadly risk to take with an average of 1899* people killed or seriously injured each year on UK roads as a result of drink or drug driving alone. This campaign is about making Lincolnshire’s roads safer and ensuring that people make the right decisions. If you are out drinking, make sure you have a plan to get home safely; arrange a taxi or have a designated driver. Please consider that you could still be over the limit the following morning. If in doubt, don’t get behind the wheel!”

Simon Outen-Coe, from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership added, “Whilst Christmas is a time to celebrate and enjoy with family, too many people are denied this opportunity through the actions of those who drink and drive.  Unfortunately, too many individuals still take the chance to drive whilst they are unfit, over-estimating their ability, only to cause distress and anguish to others when they crash.  Please help keep yourself, loved ones and other road users safe this Christmas season by avoiding mixing alcohol or drugs and driving – it only takes a little drink to risk a lot when driving on our roads.”

*Each year, on average, 1,899 people are killed or seriously injured as a result of drink or drug driving. This figure is based on STATS19 data from 2018 to 2022 with the total number for the five year period being 9497 people killed or seriously injured due to someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Drink a little, risk a lot 

As part of our engagement, we will be promoting a new winter campaign from Think! – ‘Drink a little, risk a lot.’ Finding that young men are over-represented in drink drive casualties, yet are less likely than the general population to say that drink driving is risky, this national campaign highlights the consequences of a few drinks before driving.

#DontDrinkAndDrive #DontDrugDrive #DrinkALittleRiskALot

Drink/drug driving: key facts

• The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
• If you've been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.
• Alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.
• It's an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood.
• The limit set for each drug is different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low.
• You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about whether your prescription or over-the-counter medication will affect your ability to drive.