Op Limit: 300th arrest as part of drink and drug driving campaign

We have now arrested 300 people as we continue to target drink and drug driving offences through Op Limit.

Op Limit, which began on November 21, is our annual drink and drug driving campaign and will continue to run until Monday 2 January 2023.

Officers from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit and colleagues across the force are determined to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

It was a busy day yesterday for Op Limit (Thursday 15 December), with several arrests made across Merseyside.

At around 3.20pm, we arrested a 40-year-old man from St Helens on suspicion of drug driving on Cronton Road, in Huyton. The man has been released under investigation.

Later that same day, at around 7pm on Claremont Road, we arrested a 54-year-old man from Ainsdale on suspicion of drug driving. He has been released under investigation.

At around 11pm, we arrested and charged William Neave, 18, of Squirrel Green, Formby, with drink driving after a vehicle was stopped by officers on Altcar Road. He has been released on unconditional bail to appear in court in January 2023.

Inspector Stuart McIver from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit said: “To make 300 arrests already as part of Op Limit shows how seriously we take drink and drug driving offences in Merseyside.

"Let me be clear, we don't view 300 arrests as a positive, but it shows how determined we are to stop people endangering their own and other people's lives. 

“We will not rest during this campaign, particularly as we enter what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends as Christmas approaches.

“For those who visit the shops, bars, clubs and restaurants across Merseyside, we want them to do so safely and get home safely. Please plan ahead and drink sensibly.  We want everyone to have an enjoyable weekend and now find themselves in police custody.

“If you do drive under the influence of drink, drugs, or both, you are putting your own safety at risk, the safety of everyone in your vehicle, and the safety of every other road user you come across on your journey. Think of the consequences before drink or drug driving – a crash or conviction can shatter many lives including your own.”

Op Limit coincides with Operation Shepherd, which is Merseyside Police's annual campaign to reduce crime and keep communities safe during the festive season.

Op Limit, which also runs nationally and was previously known in Merseyside as Operation Nemesis, aims to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.