Over 150 arrests made during drink and drug driving operation

We arrested more than 150 people during our Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving.

The operation, which ran from 1 December to 1 January, led to 152 arrests relating to intoxication behind the wheel across Staffordshire.

This came after officers conducted 429 roadside breath tests, with 117 positive results. A further 38 motorists provided positive drug wipes.

Chief Superintendent Paul Talbot said: "Staffordshire Police continues to invest in proactive units utilising their specialist skills to identify and apprehend those people committing crime or putting other road users at risk through their reckless behaviour.

"These results demonstrate both the ability and importance of our proactive policing activity, enforcing the law and making our roads a safer place on which to travel.

"Operation Lightning is continuing throughout 2024, with the aim of making Staffordshire roads safer for all and challenging those who cause harm to our communities.

"So please be aware that our work continues and those who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be brought to justice”.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams is Co-Chair of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership. He said: “Last year, 42 people sadly lost their lives on our roads, with drink or drug driving thought to be a factor in a number of fatal road collisions.

“This operation saw officers from the Roads Policing Unit taking a proactive approach to tackling this issue, keeping roads across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent safer by targeting those who choose to break the law.”

If you are found to be over the drink-drive limit and/or driving while impaired by drugs, you can expect to receive:

• a criminal record
• a maximum penalty of six months in prison
• an unlimited fine
• an automatic driving ban of at least one year (three years if you have been convicted twice in 10 years)

Other problems you may face include:

• an endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years
• an increased insurance premium
• if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
• trouble travelling to countries like the USA

If you kill someone whilst driving under the influence of drink or drugs, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.

For more information about the risks and consequences of drink and drug driving, please visit: Alcohol and drug driving | Staffordshire Police