Hundreds of motorists across Avon and Somerset were arrested during December after being found to be over the limit for alcohol or drugs.

Avon and Somerset Police made 241 arrests for driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs as part of Operation Limit, a national policing operation aimed at reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions (RTCs) and protecting road users during December.

Over the course of the month, a variety of tactics were employed to target drink and drug drivers, including stop check sites, intelligence-led stops, public reports, and proactive patrols.

One arrest took place at the scene of a collision in Pucklechurch on December 14, in which a car containing five people collided with a telegraph pole. Fortunately, nobody in the vehicle suffered significant injuries.

A 17-year-old boy arrested at the scene was later charged with the offences of driving while in excess of the alcohol limit, driving without a licence and without third party insurance. He is due to appear in court later this month.

Results breakdown

Drink driving accounted for 62 per cent of arrests during the operation, while drug driving offences accounted for 38 per cent.

Drivers aged between 25-34 accounted for 32 per cent of arrests, followed by the 35-44 age group (24 per cent) and under-25s (20 per cent).

And 88.4 per cent of those arrested were male.

The highest number of arrests occurred in Somerset, where 80 people were found to be over the limit. This was followed by Bristol (66) and South Gloucestershire (46). North Somerset saw 36 arrests, and B&NES 14.

Shining a spotlight on the dangers of drug driving

Drink driving remains a leading cause of road deaths, accounting for 17 per cent of fatalities on UK roads. However, drug driving poses an equally severe risk to road safety.

Drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, can impair reaction times, coordination, and judgement, significantly increasing the likelihood of a serious collision.

This message was highlighted during the December campaign in a deeply moving interview with Samantha Davies, the mother of Daniel Davies, who tragically died at the age of 16 in a collision caused by a drug-driver.

In the interview, Samantha shared the devastating impact of losing her son and urged people to consider the consequences of their actions. She said: “Dan had his whole life ahead of him… I will never know whether he went on to be the person I imagined he probably would. It’s a sadness, sadder than any sad you’ll ever, ever feel.”

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, head of roads policing and road safety for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Throughout the festive period, 241 individuals made the reckless decision to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Thanks to proactive policing and public support, we’ve ensured they are no longer a threat to others on the road.”

Report drink or drug driving online at Avon and Somerset Police or call 101. To report anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or visit their website. If someone is driving under the influence now, call 999 immediately.