Essex Police supported December’s Operation Limit national drink drive campaign to tackle drink driving, and to take dangerous drivers off the road in a bid to reduce the number of fatal and serious injury collisions in the county.
A total of 339 people were arrested for drink or drug driving-related offences, an increase of nearly 13 per cent on the 296 arrests during the same period in 2023.
Police say the rise has been driven by an increase in drug driving arrests.
Insp Emma Patterson said: “There is never an excuse for drink or drug driving, and we know it can have really serious consequences for the person drink or drug driving, or other road users.
“Throughout the month we carried out targeted patrols across the county, but our work doesn’t stop just because Christmas is over.
“Throughout 2025 we will continue to work to take people who think it’s acceptable to drive while under the influence, and put you in danger, off the roads.
“We shouldn’t stop looking out for each other just because Christmas is over.
“Don’t let your friend get behind the wheel after having drunk too much, instead be a friend by persuading them to find an alternative way to get home.
“Friends won’t leave each other behind, they’ll make sure everyone gets home safe.
“It’s a great message, one that we support, because if you plan your journey home, right at the beginning of the night, you will be less tempted to drink and drive.
“It’s a better option than being arrested and losing your licence.”
Police are urging people to contact them if they have information about a drink or drug driver as it intelligence could save lives.
Ms Patterson said: “Driving under the influence means motorists take risks every time they get behind the wheel of a car. They put themselves and others at risk.
“Drink and drug driving ruins the lives of individuals and communities and it is completely avoidable.
“We’ll be doing all we can to tackle drink driving but we’d ask the public to support us.
“If you know of, or suspect someone of drink or drug driving, let us know.
“We’ll use that information to direct our patrols to identified ‘hotspots’, to catch offenders and take them off our roads.”