Avon and Somerset Police arrested 241 motorists in December for driving under the influence of drink or drugs as part of Operation Limit, a national campaign aimed at reducing serious and fatal road traffic collisions during the festive period.

The crackdown saw officers using a range of tactics, including stop checks, intelligence-led stops, public reports, and proactive patrols to catch offenders.

Among the incidents was a crash in Pucklechurch on 14 December, where a car carrying five people collided with a telegraph pole. Thankfully, no one suffered significant injuries. A 17-year-old boy was arrested at the scene and later charged with drink driving, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance. He is due to appear in court later this month.

Of those arrested, 62% were for drink driving and 38% for drug driving. Men accounted for 88.4% of arrests, with drivers aged 25-34 making up the largest group (32%), followed by the 35-44 age bracket (24%) and under-25s (20%).

The highest number of arrests occurred in Somerset (80), followed by Bristol (66), South Gloucestershire (46), North Somerset (36), and Bath and North East Somerset (14).

Drink driving remains a leading cause of road deaths in the UK, accounting for 17% of fatalities, while drug driving poses an equally severe risk, with substances like cannabis and cocaine known to impair reaction times and judgement.

The campaign featured a moving interview with Samantha Davies, whose 16-year-old son Daniel was killed by a drug driver. She urged people to think before driving, saying: "Dan had his whole life ahead of him… It's a sadness, sadder than any sad you'll ever, ever feel."

Chief Inspector Robert Cheeseman, head of roads policing, said: "Throughout the festive period, 241 individuals made the reckless decision to drive under the influence. Thanks to proactive policing and public support, we've ensured they are no longer a threat to others on the road."

Drivers caught over the limit risk six months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a substantial driving ban. Causing death by careless driving while under the influence carries a maximum life sentence.

Reports of drink and drug driving can be made online at Avon and Somerset Police's website or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you suspect someone is currently driving under the influence, call 999 immediately.