Sussex Police say more than 60 people have already been arrested in the first week of their Christmas drink and drug-driving crackdown.
Officers are carrying out targeted stop checks across the region throughout December, pulling over vehicles and breath-testing or drug-testing drivers where needed.
Within the first week of being operational, 63 people have been arrested for drink or drug-driving related offences and 22 have already been charged.
In 2024, there were 70 collisions in Sussex where someone was killed or seriously injured (KSIs) related to alcohol and 48 related to drugs. This compares to 27 KSIs for alcohol and 19 for drugs in 2023; and 46 KSIs for alcohol and 8 for drugs in 2022.
A total of 270 drink and drug-driving arrests were made in Sussex during the last month-long campaign, which ran from 1 December 2024 to 1 January 2025.
Many motorists may not realise they are still over the limit for alcohol the morning after Christmas parties or a night out with friends.
Meanwhile, those who consume drugs may not realise that the chemicals stay in their bodies for a long time - often days or weeks - which means they can be over the drug-drive limit for a considerable period after taking them.
This year, alongside its drink-drive messaging, Sussex Police is promoting a new drug-driving campaign: ‘Think Again’.
This campaign challenges the myths people use to justify drug-driving at Christmas and reinforces the reality of enforcement.
In keeping with previous campaigns, Sussex Police will be publishing the names of some of those convicted to raise awareness of the issue and to act as a deterrent to others from committing the same offence.
Speaking about the importance of the Operation Limit, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “This Christmas, don’t risk it.
“If you drink or take drugs and then drive, you are gambling with lives – your own and everyone else’s on the road.
“Alcohol and drugs destroy your ability to make safe decisions and the consequences can be catastrophic.
“Sussex Police will be out in force as part of Operation Limit and, if you choose to drive under the influence, the chances are you will be caught.
“The safest choice is simple: don’t drink or take drugs and drive.
“The new Fatal Five Unit, which will launch early next year, will tackle the most dangerous driving behaviours on Sussex’s roads, including drink and drug-driving.
“Plan ahead, get a taxi, use public transport or stay over – because no celebration is worth a life.”
If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it on the Crimestoppers website.
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