PCC praises police for arresting hundreds in drink and drug driving operation

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has congratulated police officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for their targeted campaign to take suspected drink and drug drivers off the roads.

The Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police made 810 arrests in total during December as part of Operation Holly.

In Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, there were 131 arrests for drink driving, 156 for drug driving, and 14 for drink and drug driving bringing the total to 301 arrests between 1 December and 31 December 2023.

PCC Donna Jones said: “We have to continue to make the roads safer for everyone and this annual crackdown sent a clear message that driving while under the influence is never acceptable.

“I’m in no doubt that this campaign saved lives. We must use this momentum of accountability and responsibility going forward into 2024 so that more families don’t have to suffer the tragic consequences of road collisions and the utter devastation that they bring.

“Road safety is a real concern for residents and communities and as Commissioner it’s important for me to deliver on reducing crimes that matter to you the most while also investing in projects and interventions that will make a difference in providing safer and therefore stronger neighbourhoods.”

A dedicated Roads Policing Team was reintroduced on the Isle of Wight following the successful recruitment of 650 extra police officers across the two counties, a target set by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Named Local Bobby scheme, just launched by the Commissioner earlier this week with each community being able to access a named neighbourhood police officer, also boosts the drive to make roads safer for everyone.