Hundreds arrested and more than 1,000 drivers stopped by Thames Valley Police in drink and drug driving crackdown Operation Holly
In an aim to tackle drink and drug driving, police have conducted drug wipes, breath tests and made arrests in the Thames Valley.
Hundreds of people were arrested and more than 1,000 drivers stopped as part a drink and drug driving crackdown in the Thames Valley.
This was the work of Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police-launched Operation Holly.
From December 1 to January 1, the combined educational and enforcement activity was supported by officers across both forces.
In the Thames Valley 383 people were arrested, 229 for drink driving and 152 for drug driving.
Out of the1,541 breath tests conducted, 75 saw positive results which equates to 5.04 per cent of those tested.
The police also carried out 265 drug wipes, which drew 125 positive results, which is 47.17 per cent of those tested.
The age group with the most positive breath tests and drug wipes combined was 25 to 34 year-olds, which were 37 per cent of the total tested.
The age group with the second highest amount of combined positive breath tests and drug wipes were 35 to 49-year-olds, 32 per cent of the total.
Breaking down the results, those aged 25-34 had the highest percentage of positive breath tests, which was 37.33 per cent of the total, again closely followed by those aged 35-49, 36 per cent of the total.
Additionally, people aged 25-34 had the highest percentage of positive drug wipes, 36.8 per cent of those tested, followed by 35-49, which came to 29.6 per cent of the total.
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Road Safety Unit Sergeant Dave Hazlett said: “These figures show that we will not tolerate drink or drug driving on the roads of the Thames Valley.
“The percentage of positive breath test results reflects what we already know – that the vast majority of road users follow the rules. I would like to thank everyone who drove responsibly over the festive season and helped to keep our roads safe.
“On the other hand, the percentage of positive drug wipes shows that drug driving remains an issue, across several age groups."
He added: “Although the operation has ended, we are still policing our roads and arresting drink and drug drivers on a daily basis. Make sure you drive responsibly so your name is not added to that list.
“Our advice is clear. Drinking alcohol or taking any drug, even if prescribed, can affect your ability to drive safely - so it’s not worth the risk.”
Thames Valley Police said that driving while impaired through drink or drugs can increase the chances of people being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision.
If you know of anyone who is drink or drug driving call 999 in an emergency, 101 with information or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
