A robust initiative to curb drink and drug driving, named Operation Limit, has seen Sussex Police apprehend a total of 134 individuals, with 30 arrests in the Brighton and Hove area alone. Launched on December 1 and scheduled to run until January 1, the operation is geared towards curbing dangerous driving behaviour during the festive season.
Since the launch of Operation Limit, Sussex Police have logged around 40 crashes, underscoring the elevated risk posed by impaired drivers. Officers have diligently conducted on-site testing for both alcohol and drug impairment in response to incidents.
The force noted that a considerable number of drivers were stopped for erratic or dangerous driving, resulting in minor collisions. Instances included a collision with a telegraph pole in Horsham, a crash into a school warning sign in Westham, a driver ploughing through railings in Crawley, and a collision with traffic lights in Lancing. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported in these incidents, highlighting the potential danger to road users.
Sussex Police emphasized the profound impact of alcohol and drugs on a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Through proactive stops and routine check sites, officers not only addressed drink and drug driving but also uncovered and addressed various other offences, including the apprehension of wanted individuals.
The head of roads policing, Superintendent Rachel Glenton, underscored the severe consequences of drink or drug driving, emphasizing its role as a major contributor to fatalities and serious injuries on roads. Glenton expressed concern over the numerous drivers who, despite the ongoing campaign, continued to jeopardize public safety.
Results from the ongoing campaign reveal a total of 47 arrests in East Sussex, including 11 in Hastings and St Leonards, 12 in Eastbourne, seven in Bexhill and Battle, and six across Lewes and district. West Sussex accounted for 57 arrests, with 17 in the Crawley and Horsham areas and 11 arrests in the Adur and Worthing regions.
In a bid to serve as a deterrent, Sussex Police plans to identify and publicize some of those convicted of drink and drug driving on their official website and social media channels. This approach aligns with previous campaigns, aiming to raise awareness about the legal consequences and social stigma associated with such offences.
The head of roads policing reiterated the importance of preventative measures, urging individuals to pre-book taxis or opt for alternative transportation methods, such as walking. Glenton appealed to friends and family members to dissuade their loved ones from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Failing persuasion, she urged the public to report impaired drivers to the police, emphasizing the potential lives saved through such actions.
Sussex Police’s Operation Limit serves as a proactive measure to safeguard road users during the festive season, complementing the force’s year-round commitment to roads policing. As the crackdown continues, authorities remain steadfast in their resolve to create safer roads and reduce the risk posed by individuals who choose to drive under the influence. The message is clear: drink and drug driving will not be tolerated, and those who ignore the law will face public consequences.
