Record 369 arrests made during Surrey Police’s winter drink and drug driving crackdown

This marks a significant increase on last year’s 196 arrests. Throughout December, officers carried out increased intelligence-led patrols, targeted roadside checks and testing across the county, with a focus on busy town centres, key roads and the night-time economy.  

There were 167 arrests for drug driving, compared to 81 arrests for drink driving, reflecting last year’s finding that drug driving continues to be more prevalent than drink driving in Surrey.  

Operation Limit is part of a nationally coordinated effort led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), to reduce serious injuries and fatalities caused by driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs during one of the highest-risk times of the year.  

Chief Inspector Karen Coyne, Roads Policing Operational Command Lead said: 

“These results demonstrate the impact of focused, intelligence-led enforcement reinforced by visible presence on our roads. Through targeted patrols, proactive stops and roadside testing, we have removed a significant number of impaired drivers from our roads, helping to protect all road users. Every arrest represents a potential tragedy prevented.  

Drink and drug driving ruins lives not just for those behind the wheel, but for families, passengers and everyone using the road networks. 

Our officers have worked relentlessly during a period of increased risk for serious and fatal collisions involving drink or drugs to keep communities safe. While Operation Limit brings increased visibility during the winter period, our patrols and roadside checks continue 365 days a year.” 

Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs continues to be a leading cause of fatal and serious collisions. Even when the effects of alcohol or drugs have worn off, they can still impair judgement and reaction times.  

The consequences of a drink or drug driving conviction could include: 

• A minimum 12-month ban; 

• An unlimited fine; 

• A possible prison sentence; 

• A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment; 

• An increase in your car insurance; 

• Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;
• You could seriously injure yourself or others, or cause a fatal collision. 

SURREY STATISTICS FOR OPERATION LIMIT 

• 369 arrests: made up of 39 arrests for driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs (s4), 81 arrests for drink driving, 167 arrests for drug driving, 82 arrests for other offences discovered during Op Limit activity. 

• In December 2024, officers made 196 arrests, 140 for drug driving and 84 for drink driving.