Drink and drug campaign sees 157 drivers arrested on Teesside

A drink and drugs campaign to clampdown on motorists driving under the influence of substances saw 157 people arrested on Teesside.

The seasonal campaign, Operation Limit, which ran over the Christmas period from December 1 to January 1, targeted drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the campaign, led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), there were 3,025 drivers tested for either alcohol or drugs across Cleveland.

Whilst 157 drivers were found to be under the influence, the force said it would like to praise the law-abiding majority of motorists who tested negative for alcohol or drugs. Of those arrested; 82 of these were positive for drugs, 71 positive for alcohol and four failed to provide a sample for analysis.

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Matrix Chief Inspector Steve Clyburn said: "I would like to start by thanking the law-abiding majority of drivers who have taken the decision to take their responsibilities seriously and did not get behind the wheel whilst under the influence.

"Just over 5% of those tested during this campaign were under the influence which is totally unacceptable and those people are now being dealt with through the criminal justice process.

"We continue with testing drivers all year round, so that we can try to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible for everyone using them. Driving under the influence is one of the four main contributing factors in both serious and fatal road collisions."

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