Merseyside Police target drive-thru to catch drivers over the legal limit

With Christmas party season now in full swing, Merseyside Police officers are continuing their proactive Operation Limit work, with 105 arrests for drug and drink driving made in the first week alone.

Operation Limit is a national campaign which intensifies the focus on drug and drink driving for police forces across the festive period.

With seasonal celebrations well underway, officers are reminding drivers that the risk doesn’t end when the night does. Any drivers stopped and found to be over the limit for alcohol, or who tests positive for illegal drugs will face the same consequences at 8.00 a.m. as they would 1:00 a.m.

Throughout December and into the New Year, Merseyside Police will be carrying out increased patrols across the region, with roadside breath tests and drug wipes taking place at all times of day, including early mornings and commuter routes. Officers will be visible around venues, town centres and collision hotspots, and unmarked patrols will also be deployed to target high-risk behaviours.

Gavin Dixon, Merseyside Police Roads Policing Inspector, said:

“We hope our presence near places like fast food drive throughs will make people think about their morning-after behaviour.

“Alcohol, and some drugs, stay in your system far longer than people think. You can’t ‘sleep it off’. You might feel better after a coffee and a shower, but it’s actually made zero difference to the amount of alcohol in your system. So people need to be planning ahead. Get a taxi, get a takeaway, arrange a lift: the only safe choice is not to drive.

“We have no sympathy for people who choose to ignore this advice and get behind the wheel unfit to drive. They’re choosing to put the lives of innocent people at risk. Imagine deciding that having a bacon butty was more important than the life of someone’s son or daughter. It’s unbelievably selfish.

“Everyone deserves to be able to use the roads safely. We’ll keep testing at all times of the day and night, in every area of Merseyside, to make that happen.”

Causing death by dangerous or careless driving while under the influence carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment. A conviction can also have lasting effects on insurance costs, employment and even international travel. Professional drivers and those in regulated roles are particularly at risk of losing their livelihoods.

Merseyside Police is asking the public to play their part. If you suspect someone is currently driving under the influence, call 999 immediately. For non-urgent information, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Businesses and venues can also help by promoting #OpLimit messages, displaying posters near exits and taxi ranks, and encouraging staff and customers to plan a safe ride home.