AVON and Somerset Police has launched a campaign to combat drink and drug-driving. 

Throughout December officers will be conducting proactive roadside checks as part of Operation Limit. 

Avon and Somerset’s Roads Policing Team with motorists about the dangers of impaired driving and acting on intelligence provided by the public. 

The initiative comes as recent government figures reveal that between 290 and 320 people are killed each year in collisions involving drivers over the legal alcohol limit – the highest numbers seen in 15 years. 

In the Avon and Somerset Force area, there have been 364 fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions in 2024 to date, of which 55 have been drink and/or drug-driving related.  

That means 15 per cent of all fata and serious injury crashes are linked to drink or drug driving, with seven of them resulting in death.  

Throughout 2024, there have been 2,562 arrests for drink- and drug-driving offences in Avon and Somerset. 

Chief Inspector Rob Cheeseman, Head of Roads Policing and Road Safety for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Please help us keep our roads safe.  

“If you know someone who regularly drinks or takes drugs and drives, please don’t stay silent. Your report could stop a dangerous driver before they hurt or kill someone.   

“Alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. There is no way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit.   

“Our officers will be out on the roads every day and night this December, conducting checks and targeting those who pose a risk to others.” 

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs can impair driving ability in numerous ways, affecting ability to judge speed and distance, reaction and coordination skills. 

Alcohol and drugs can also create a false confidence, which can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviour. 

Avon and Somerset Police said Operation Limit continues to emphasise the importance of community reporting.  

Information from the public is used alongside Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and CCTV to locate and stop suspected drink- or drug-drivers quickly and effectively.  

As part of the operation, police are working closely with licensed premises across the force area to spread the message about the dangers of drink- and drug-driving.  

Pubs, bars and clubs are being encouraged to display Crimestoppers posters in prominent areas, such as washrooms, to warn against driving under the influence and remind customers they can report suspected offenders anonymously.  

Police say the collaboration is key to reaching people before they make the potentially life-changing decision to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.