Police forces across the country have begun their annual month-long Christmas crackdown on drink and drug riding and driving.
Codenamed Operation Limit, it’s a national campaign co-ordinated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to target those who choose to drive or ride under the influence.
Each participating force will use a range of different tactics including bike and vehicle stops and roadside testing as well as undertaking education and engagement events.
A particular focus will be on early morning patrols to target those still impaired the following morning after drinking.
Chief inspector Emma Hart said:
“Drink and drug riding and driving kills and seriously injures people. The decision can be life changing for you and the people around you and there is absolutely no excuse for it.
“You will face serious consequences if we catch you riding while impaired from drink or drugs. You could lose your licence or your job as a result.”
But even worse, you could lose your life. Bike riding demands brilliant fine motor skills to maintain balance and control, while at the same time staying focused on the risks around you. We need to be situationally aware so we make good, safe decisions on our bikes, not gambling with our lives by taking a chance.
But all those qualities are badly impaired by alcohol and drugs, making us really vulnerable if we’re riding after drinking or taking drugs.
In Greater Manchester, officers will be carrying out roadside breathalyser and drug wipe tests throughout the campaign.
Last year during the same period, a similar campaign netted 570 offenders.
Chief inspector Michael Parker, Safer Transport Team at Greater Manchester Police, said:
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug riding, and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue.
“Our officers see the devastating impact it has far too often. We will be carrying out roadside checks right across Greater Manchester throughout December and will take action against anyone who thinks they can ignore the law.”
In Surrey, alongside increased enforcement, Surrey RoadSafe is running a digital campaign.
The campaign creative centres around the fictional concept “Road Risk Roulette”, fronted by the character “Gambling Tommy” (played by Tommy Sandhu). The character appears at moments when the risk of drink or drug riding or driving is “on the cards”, using the idea of gambling to highlight that impaired driving is a dangerous, life-changing risk.
The campaign will be delivered through a mobile-first video, designed to quickly capture attention and deliver a strong, clear message about the dangers of drinking and taking to the road.