300 people arrested on Merseyside’s roads as part of winter drink and drug driving campaign

Merseyside Police have arrested 300 people as the force continues to target drink and drug driving offences through Op Limit.

Op Limit is an annual drink and drug driving campaign and will continue to run until Monday 2 January 2023.

Officers from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit and colleagues across the force say they are determined to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Inspector Stuart McIver from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit said:

“To make 300 arrests already as part of Op Limit shows how seriously we take drink and drug driving offences in Merseyside.

“Let me be clear, we don’t view 300 arrests as a positive, but it shows how determined we are to stop people endangering their own and other people’s lives. 

“We will not rest during this campaign, particularly as we enter what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends as Christmas approaches.

“For those who visit the shops, bars, clubs and restaurants across Merseyside, we want them to do so safely and get home safely. Please plan ahead and drink sensibly.  We want everyone to have an enjoyable weekend and now find themselves in police custody.

“If you do drive under the influence of drink, drugs, or both, you are putting your own safety at risk, the safety of everyone in your vehicle, and the safety of every other road user you come across on your journey. Think of the consequences before drink or drug driving – a crash or conviction can shatter many lives including your own.”

Op Limit coincides with Operation Shepherd, which is Merseyside Police‘s annual campaign to reduce crime and keep communities safe during the festive season.

Op Limit, which also runs nationally and was previously known in Merseyside as Operation Nemesis, aims to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.