A record 369 arrests have been made during Surrey’s annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving.
Operation Limit takes place throughout December, a month when offending on the roads typically rises.
During the initiative, patrols, roadside checks and testing were carried out across the county, with a focus on town centres, key roads and the night-time economy.
For the second year in a row, more people were arrested for drug driving than drink driving. A total of 167 people were arrested after taking drugs before getting behind the wheel, while 81 people were detained for driving after consuming alcohol.
Operation Limit is part of a nationally coordinated effort led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), to reduce serious injuries and fatalities caused by driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs during one of the highest-risk times of the year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend joined the Roads Policing Unit on a patrol shortly before Christmas.
During the shift, the team carried out stop-checks in Guildford. They were also called to the scene of a crash on the Staines Bypass.
The passenger was seriously hurt and needed to be cut free. Investigations into the collision continue.
“Alarming” number of arrests
Lisa said: “December regularly sees an increase in collisions and arrests linked to drink and drug driving, particularly around weekends, Christmas parties and the morning after a driver has consumed alcohol.
“It is never acceptable to drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel, and the consequences of such an appalling and selfish decision can be devastating.
“Outstanding work by Surrey’s roads policing teams across the county have led to a significant and alarming number of arrests over Christmas.
“It is deeply frustrating that the following needs to be said at all: drink and drug driving ruins lives. The consequences can be catastrophic.
“Let these arrests be a lesson – our officers can’t be everywhere, but they could be anywhere.”
Record year
Chief Inspector Karen Coyne, Roads Policing Operational Command Lead said: “Through targeted patrols, proactive stops and roadside testing, we have removed a significant number of impaired drivers from our roads, helping to protect all road users. Every arrest represents a potential tragedy prevented.
“Drink and drug driving ruins lives not just for those behind the wheel, but for families, passengers, and everyone using the road networks.
“Our officers have worked relentlessly during a period of increased risk for serious and fatal collisions involving drink or drugs to keep communities safe.
“While Operation Limit brings increased visibility during the winter period, our patrols and roadside checks continue 365 days a year.”
Don’t risk it
Driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs continues to be a leading cause of fatal and serious collisions. Even when the effects of alcohol or drugs have worn off, they can still impair judgement and reaction times.
The consequences of a drink or drug driving conviction could include:
- A minimum 12-month ban;
- An unlimited fine;
- A possible prison sentence;
- A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment;
- An increase in your car insurance;
- Trouble travelling to countries such as the USA;
- You could seriously injure yourself or others, or cause a fatal collision.
Surrey stats
In December 2025, there were 369 arrests, including:
- 39 arrests for driving while unfit through drink and drugs
- 81 arrests for drink driving
- 167 arrests for drug driving
- 82 arrests for other offences discovered during Op Limit activity
In December 2025, there were 196 arrests including:
- 140 for drug driving
- 84 for drink driving
Commissioner Lisa Townsend was called to a crash during a shift with the Roads Policing Unit for Op Limit