Police in Derbyshire arrested 180 drivers during their annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. 

They carried out 469 roadside tests on drivers, with 174 people arrested after they were found positive for alcohol, and 41 positive for drugs. Six tested positive for both drugs and alcohol. 

Forty-three drivers who tested positive for alcohol, and 11 drivers who tested positive for drugs, had been involved in a collision.  

The highest reading recorded was 150 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. 

Chief Inspector Dave Nicholls, who leads the Roads Policing Unit, said: “The numbers of those arrested show just how important it is that we target drink and drug driving, and we will continue to take action against those who continue to take the risk. 

“The campaign hasn’t just been about enforcement though; it has also been about raising awareness of the truly devastating consequences that drink and drug driving causes.  

“While many people did choose to make the right choice and were found to be within the legal limits, we cannot ignore the fact that the careless actions of one individual can lead to heartache for others.” 

This year the operation, Op Limit began a few weeks early to include the men’s World Cup and saw the launch of a short film to highlight the potentially fatal and devastating consequences that driving under the influence of drink or drugs can have. 

Chief Insp Nicholls added: “During the operation we have been asking for support from our communities by reporting concerns that they have around people who may be getting behind the wheel while under the influence. 

“Without a doubt some of those calls have helped reduce the potential for someone to be hurt and we would like to thank everyone who responded. Please do continue to report concerns so that we can help make sure Derbyshire’s roads are safer for everyone.” 

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