Officers made over 200 drink and drug drive arrests in December as part of Operation Limit, our annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.
From 1 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, North Wales Police supported the national policing operation, which is aimed at reducing fatal and serious road traffic collisions and protecting road users, by carrying out targeted activity to stop drivers who are driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
A total of 203 arrests were made – 74 for drink driving and 129 for drug driving. An increase of 12.77% compared to the same period the previous year.
Analysis of December’s figures reveal that the busiest days for drink drive arrests were Saturdays and Sundays and drug drive arrests on Mondays, Wednesday, Saturdays and Sundays.
Sergeant Emma Birrell, from North Wales Police’ Roads Crime Unit said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving all year round, but our December campaign saw us conducting extensive patrols across the region. This included targeting hot spot areas and conducting intelligence-led stops. However – despite our regular updates and constant warnings around the dangers and consequences of drink and drug-driving, it is extremely disappointing that too many people are still prepared to put their lives and those of other road users at risk.
“Our work doesn’t stop just because Christmas is over. Our efforts to make sure people are safe behind the wheel in north Wales continues 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There really is no hiding place.
“The consequences and penalties for drink and drug driving are severe – not only the risk of death and serious injury, but they also include driving disqualifications, fines, criminal convictions and even imprisonment. And they don’t just affect the driver, they can have a lasting impact on family, employment and future opportunities. Drink and drug driving ruins the lives of individuals and communities, and it is completely avoidable.
“We will use all resources necessary to prioritise road safety for all and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads, but we’d ask the public to help us do this by challenging anyone you think may be about to drive having had alcohol or used drugs.”
Operations such as Op Limit are largely intelligence-led, but roads policing activity also disrupts criminal activity, making our communities safer. Some examples of this during the recent Op Limit campaign include:
- Driving without a licence
- Driving without insurance
- No MOT
- Using a mobile phone behind the wheel
If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately to police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Your calls really do make a difference.
