Cheshire Police among top performing forces for tackling drink and drug driving

Cheshire Police is among the top performing forces for its response to tackling drink and drug driving, according to a report published via the National Police Chief’s Council.

In a recent report published by National Roads Policing Operations, Intelligence & Investigations Unit, the North-West was the top performing region during 2023, for the second year running.

Op Limit is a national operation which tackles drink and drug driving and sees force’s targeting motorists they suspect of drink or drug driving, with Cheshire Police leading the way with innovation and results.

In Cheshire, officers use Op Limit as a deterrence and also reassurance to the public through high visibility at key times of the year.

During 2023, officers performed more than 800 breath tests to clamp down on drink driving, in addition to carrying out almost 200 drug wipes.

Combine this work with the high visibility throughout the Force’s Christmas operation, Cheshire is leading the way in making Cheshire a hostile place for criminals and keeping people safe on the roads. 

Superintendent for Cheshire’s Roads and Crime unit, Saf Ali, said:

I’m really pleased the report has recognised the work we do in Cheshire, and that we are among the top performing Forces tackling drink and drug driving. The safety of Cheshire’s roads is paramount, and this report validates how seriously Cheshire takes the issue.

“The report acknowledges how Cheshire is always innovative with our campaigns, with particularly mention to our Christmas campaign where we send Christmas cards to offenders in a bid to stop them reoffending. As a result, we now have other forces across the country coming to us for advice as they look to mirror our approach.

“Plans are already in place to continue this good work throughout 2024, including monitoring repeat drink or drug driving offenders.”