Merseyside Police launch joint operation to prevent drink driving

Neighbouring police forces, Merseyside and Lancashire, have teamed up to launch a seasonal drug and drink driving crackdown.

The joint operation took place at Robin Island, Maghull, Merseyside, on the border between the two regions. Traffic moving in both directions was subject to randomised stop checks, with drug wipes and breathalysers being deployed by both forces on drivers coming and going from each area. 

By collaborating both hope it will send a clear message to drivers: nowhere is safe when it comes to driving under the influence.

While forces across the country are launching Operation Limit – a national campaign which is run by individual police forces throughout December, aimed at preventing drug and drink related casualties across the Christmas period, Merseyside and Lancashire are kickstarting the seasons by working together.

In 2023, Merseyside and Lancashire made more than 6616 arrests for drink or drug driving offences or impaired driving offences. In Lancashire, males between the ages of 20-39 make up more than half (53%) of all drink and drug drivers, many of those still testing positive from drugs or alcohol consumed the night before.

Stuart McIver, Merseyside Roads Policing Chief Inspector, said:

“This December, as well as targeting motorists who drink or take drugs and then drive at night, officers will be carrying out spot checks in the mornings to identify those still over the legal drink drive limit or not fit to drive through taking illegal substances.

“Running a cross-border operation like this is a far more accurate representation of the realities of the problem of drink and drug driving than if we were just to focus on Merseyside. People who choose to drive under the influence don’t just pose a risk to road users in the region where they live. Someone may well be waking up after a Christmas do in Ormskirk, unfit to drive, but still getting behind the wheel and heading off to work in Southport – or vice versa.

“Alcohol and drugs can remain in your system for longer than you think. You could be over the limit when driving to work the next day, or even with your children on the school run.

“The way alcohol affects you depends on your weight, age, sex, metabolism, the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking, what you’ve eaten recently… The list goes on and on. There just is no definite way to know whether you’re safe to drive after drinking. None is the only safe amount. Leave the car at home.

“I have no sympathy with anyone who chooses to drink and then drive, or who chooses to take drugs and drive. It’s criminal and it’s unbelievably selfish. 

“My officers will be running roadside spot checks like these at all times of the day and night, at all different locations. As we are demonstrating with our Lancs colleagues today, there is no safe time or place to drive under the influence. We’re committed to catching anyone out there who does it.” 

Individuals who choose to drug or drink drive face a twelve-month driving ban and a fine of up to £5000.

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said:

“Those who choose to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, are not only putting themselves at risk, but they are endangering the lives of innocent people and children.

“It is a selfish act that causes devastation to families and heartbreak that will last a lifetime, inflicting damage that can never be undone.

“As we approach the festive season, we can expect more parties and social gatherings, so I ask everyone to act with caution and take a minute to think about whether you’re in the right position to drive. It only takes seconds to ruin a life on our roads.

“Nobody wants to be the reason for ripping a family apart at Christmas or find themselves behind bars because they didn’t want to book a taxi or get the bus home.

“This Christmas, think about keeping everyone safe. Speak up to your loved ones if you don’t think they should be driving, look out for one another and help keep our communities and our roads safe. Everyone should make it home to their families.”

If no drugs or alcohol are detected at the roadside operations, officers from both forces are still encouraged to use their training and, if they suspect someone is under the influence, require a blood sample be taken in custody for further testing.

Both Merseyside and Lancashire Police test for 17 different controlled substances in every blood sample taken in custody, meaning even if a substance isn’t detected at the roadside, it will be picked up later in the process by the toxicology team the forces share.

For up-to-date Op Limit information and results throughout December, follow force social media accounts.

Anyone who suspects that someone is either about to, or is currently, driving under the influence should call 999.

Find more information on the Merseyside Police website.

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