Essex Police’s latest road safety campaign targeting drink and drug driving has made a significant impact in its first week, with officers across the county making 97 arrests between 1st–7th December.
The initiative, part of a wider effort to tackle dangerous driving behaviour during the busy festive season, saw specialist teams conducting targeted patrols and roadside checks aimed at deterring motorists who choose to drive under the influence.
Of the total arrests, 61 were linked directly to drug driving offences and 17 to drink driving, while others were detained for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs or for failing to provide a breath test.
Essex Police officers reported that the majority of enforcement activity occurred over the weekend, with 54 of the 97 arrests made between Friday and Sunday — including 25 arrests in Southend alone on Saturday.
Inspector Carl Habbershaw, leading the force’s road safety response, emphasised that the figures send a clear message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated in Essex and that the campaign seeks not only to catch offenders but also to raise awareness of the very real dangers posed by impaired driving.
Officers will continue their proactive approach in the coming weeks, with further operations planned to safeguard all road users across the county. Members of the public who suspect someone may be driving while impaired are encouraged to report it so the police can take action.
The campaign highlights Essex Police’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety and protecting communities during a period when traffic volumes and social activity typically rise.
The initiative, part of a wider effort to tackle dangerous driving behaviour during the busy festive season, saw specialist teams conducting targeted patrols and roadside checks aimed at deterring motorists who choose to drive under the influence.
Of the total arrests, 61 were linked directly to drug driving offences and 17 to drink driving, while others were detained for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs or for failing to provide a breath test.
Essex Police officers reported that the majority of enforcement activity occurred over the weekend, with 54 of the 97 arrests made between Friday and Sunday — including 25 arrests in Southend alone on Saturday.
Inspector Carl Habbershaw, leading the force’s road safety response, emphasised that the figures send a clear message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated in Essex and that the campaign seeks not only to catch offenders but also to raise awareness of the very real dangers posed by impaired driving.
Officers will continue their proactive approach in the coming weeks, with further operations planned to safeguard all road users across the county. Members of the public who suspect someone may be driving while impaired are encouraged to report it so the police can take action.
The campaign highlights Essex Police’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety and protecting communities during a period when traffic volumes and social activity typically rise.
Essex Police road safety campaign
drink driving arrests Essex
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