Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police launch Operation Limit to crack down on drink and drug driving this Christmas

Police want to hammer home the message this Christmas that there is no excuse for drink or drug driving.

The joint operations roads policing unit – which consists of officers both from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police – is targeting those driving while impaired throughout December as part of Operation Limit.

The campaign comes at a time of year when people will be out celebrating over the festive period.

Throughout the month there will be increased patrols and enforcement activity on roads in West Berkshire and North Hampshire to target anyone choosing to drive after drinking and those still impaired the following morning after drinking.

Last December, 810 arrests were made in total across both forces.

Chief inspector Emma Hart of the joint operations roads policing unit said: “There is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving.

“Alcohol or drugs can seriously affect your ability to drive safely and are one of the 'fatal four' most common causes of deaths on our roads.

“You could lose your licence. You could be arrested and be sentenced to years behind bars. You could kill yourself or some other innocent person. It's just not worth the risk.

“A fatal collision causes complete devastation to families, especially when it is caused by an impaired driver who could have just gotten a taxi home instead.

“We also want to remind people of how long alcohol and drugs can remain in your system.

“You may think you’re safe to drive the next morning, but you can still be impaired and if we catch you, you will be arrested.”