Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary launch annual Christmas drink and drug driving enforcement campaign

Police will be increasing patrols and enforcement activity on roads during the festive period as part of their annual drink and drug driving enforcement campaign.

With World Cup matches as well as Christmas parties taking place this December, police are calling on all motorists to think about the consequences of driving while impaired and arrange alternative transport.

The Operation Holly campaign is ran by the joint operations roads policing unit of Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Chief Inspector Chris Spellerberg said: “Our annual Operation Holly campaign aims to highlight the cost of being convicted of a drink or drug driving offence.

“You do not want to spend the New Year facing arrest, costly fines, the implications of losing your licence and in the worst-case scenario, having to live with the knowledge that you have seriously injured or killed someone.”

Last December more than 200 people were arrested for drink or drug driving offences as part of Operation Holly.

CI Spellerberg added: “We want everyone to make it home safely so our message is simple – it's not worth the risk.

“The selfish minority who choose to drink or drug drive may think they aren’t causing any harm. They are wrong.

“All too often our officers see the devastating consequences of drink and drug driving. Such recklessness has taken the lives of far too many people, leaving countless families in ruins.

“You might think you are fine to drive, ride your motorcycle or e-scooter after a few pints or taking drugs, but every day we are arresting people with exactly the same mindset.

CI Spellerberg urged those who were out socialising during the festive period to arrange alternative transport if they were drinking and reminded drivers that they could still be over the limit to drive the following morning.

He said: “The small inconvenience of having to collect your vehicle the next day far outweighs being arrested and facing a conviction for a drink or drug driving offence.

“If a friend or family member is planning to drive while over the limit then please also remind them of the consequences and encourage them to reconsider their plans.”