Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving in Thames Valley and Hampshire
Its an annual campaign targeting those driving under the influence on local roads
The Thames Valley and Hampshire police forces have launched their annual campaign to catch drink and drug drivers over Christmas and New Years.
Running from 1 December until 1 January 2022, the campaign combines educational and enforcement activities over the festive period.
You may see more police officers out at accident hotspots across the region.
Driving while impaired through drink or drugs can increase the chances of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.
Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Every year we run Op Holly and every year we find that people still take to the roads having drunk too much alcohol or having taken drugs that will impair their driving.
“It is important to plan how you are going to get home after a Christmas party or a night out. Consider using public transport, taxis or have a designated driver, especially if going out in groups.
"Think carefully about the morning after. It’s is highly likely that you will still be over the limit the next morning as it can take hours for alcohol and drugs to leave your system.
“Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system has the ability to effect the way you drive; increasing the risk of serious harm to either yourself or other road users.
“Therefore, this festive season, plan your journeys, think about how you are going to get home as this can reduce the chances of families facing Christmas and the future without their loved ones.
“Our message is simple. Don’t drink or drug drive – it’s not worth the risk.
“If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report via Crimestoppers.”
During Operation Holly last year, officers in Hampshire and the Thames Valley carried out:
- 725 Breath Tests
- 152 Drug Wipes
- 14 Field Impairment Tests
- Of those breath tests, 27 were positive and of the drug wipes, 68 were positive.
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