500 arrests in crackdown on drink and drug driving in Greater Manchester

During the month of December, Greater Manchester Police participated in Operation Limit, the national drink and drug driving campaign which targets high-risk drivers who ignore the rules and put lives unnecessarily at risk.

From the start of December to New Year’s Day officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations, specifically from the Safer Transport Team arrested 507 motorists for drink or drug driving offences.

Roadside checks around Greater Manchester took place in areas such as Bolton, Bury, Salford, Tameside and Wigan.

The key festive dates which is for family and friends to celebrate in a safe manner, meant some decided get behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

In addition to arrests, traffic offence reports were also handed out to drivers for offences ranging from using mobile devices behind the wheel, not wearing a seatbelt and speeding, all of which, alongside drink and drug driving, make up the ‘Fatal Four’.

With others being penalised for vehicle defects which in poor weather conditions can have catastrophic effects, and even no insurance.

On Christmas Eve, 19 motorists were arrested, with 13 on Christmas Day and 43 on New Year’s Eve.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker from GMP’s Road Policing Unit said: “It is unacceptable that so many motorists found it acceptable to put the public at risk by driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs on the roads of Greater Manchester.

“But by conducting proactive policing operations and targeting high-risk drivers by acting upon information from the public we have removed 507 from the roads in just one month.

“Our enforcement tactics and zero-tolerance approach run 365 days a year and not just over Christmas, so if you know of a drink driver that is a loved one, please encourage them to not get in their vehicle whilst under the influence as it can have fatal consequences.

“Failing that you can always report them anonymously via Crimestoppers and we will take robust action to ensure their actions are punished.”