More than 800 arrests made during Hampshire drink and drug drive campaign
The county and Thames Valley Police teamed up during December
Last updated 12th Jan 2024
More than 800 people were arrested across Hampshire and Thames Valley as part of the annual Christmas drink and drug drive campaign.
Operation Holly saw officers carrying out targeted patrols and roadside checks to crackdown on those getting behind the wheel under the influence.
A total of 810 arrests were made between December 1st and 31st.
Of those arrests, 371 were on suspicion of drink driving; 401 were on suspicion of drug driving; and 38 people were arrested after being suspected of both drink and drug driving.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said:
“Operation Holly is carried out during the festive period every year and it’s disappointing to see that people are still getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink and/or drugs.
“We see too often the devastating consequences that can result from this behaviour and I am pleased that we have managed to make so many arrests and prevent the potential harm that can be caused by drink and drug drivers.
“Our priority is to make the roads safer for everyone and we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having drank alcohol or used drugs.
“Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs can impact on your driving. It’s not worth the risk.”