Over 110 drink driving arrests made during campaign

Over 118 people have been arrested for drink or drug driving as a part of a national campaign last month, Dorset Police have announced.

Operation Limit (OL) is the national Christmas drink and drug driving initiative that all UK police forces support. It runs from December 1 to January 1 and is aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by intoxicated driving.

During the campaign at the end of 2025, 66 arrests were made for drink driving whilst 52 arrests were made for drug driving.

This is an increase from December 2024 where 107 arrests were made.

The force received 316 calls during December reporting someone who may have been driving while under the influence.

Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team said: “These figures show that people are still intent on drink or drug driving and putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“While the increase in numbers is concerning, I want to make it very clear that we are relentless and taking a robust approach to anyone caught driving while under the influence. This activity is not exclusive to December and will continue all year round.

“Over three quarters of the arrests made were as a result of our proactive policing, acting on intelligence or reports from the public and carrying out stop checks of vehicles.”

Approximately 79 per cent of people arrested during the campaign were male between 17 and 69 years old.

Throughout the OL initiative, officers from the Roads Policing Team carry out various enforcement tactics, follow up on public reports, patrols and intelligence-led stop checks.

“Our officers are highly-trained and have the equipment to spot anyone who may be driving while over the drink or drug limit and we will continue to carry out proactive patrols to catch high-risk offending motorists,” Wheable said.

“If you make the choice to drive while under the influence, you are putting yourself and others at increased risk of being involved in a road traffic collision, which could have devastating consequences and a life-changing impact on families within our communities.

“We are extremely grateful to every single person who made a report to us during December. Every call matters and allows us to take action to protect all road users across Dorset.”

David Sidwick, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, praised the effectiveness of the initiative and highlighted the success of the results.

“I am pleased to see that Dorset Police’s December Op Limit has delivered strong results and clearly demonstrates the Force’s determination to protect our communities during one of the busiest times of the year,” Sidwick said.

“The operation led to 118 arrests, sending a clear message that criminal and dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.

“Tackling drug driving remains a priority and is a key part of the wider work to make our roads safer.”

Written by Olivia Pagden and Vishal Seenath.