Sussex Police Crack Down on Drink and Drug Drivers with 261 Arrests
Sussex Police’s tough Operation Limit campaign slapped cuffs on 261 suspected drink and drug drivers this December. Running from December 1 to January 1, officers ramped up patrols and carried out nearly 6,000 vehicle checks across the county. That’s a hefty 12% rise in arrests compared to last year’s crackdown.
Driving Under Influence: A Deadly Danger
Chief Constable Jo Shiner slammed impaired driving as a deadly risk and praised the public for tipping off cops about dodgy drivers. “Thanks to the public’s vigilance, we’ve stopped many potential tragedies,” she said. The grim figures back her up — over 50 collisions were linked to drink or drug driving in this period alone.
“It’s vital drivers understand the risks and take responsibility,” said Jo Shiner.
Warnings from Top Brass and Crime Commissioner
Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne warned that many still underestimate the dangers. “Roadside saliva tests have been around nearly a decade and they’re spot on,” she said. The consequences? Fines, driving bans, even prison.
Superintendent Rachel Glenton, Head of Roads Policing for Sussex and Surrey Police, said officers work year-round to keep roads safe. Yet, some motorists still risk it—one was caught asleep at a roundabout, another tried to fool cops by using mouthwash at a checkpoint.
Shocking Stats Reveal Scale of Problem
- 261 total arrests, with 115 for drink-driving and 146 for drug-driving
- Nearly 6,000 vehicle stops — more than double last year’s 2,430 checks
- 397 drug tests conducted, 157 positive
- Over 50 collisions connected to impaired drivers
- Highest arrest numbers seen in Brighton and surrounding districts
- 235 men and 26 women arrested
Sussex Police plan to keep naming offenders to shame and deter others. The message is clear: drink or drug driving carries stiff penalties and puts lives at risk.
Don’t drink, don’t drive.
