Operation Limit

Op Limit

For their safety and that of other road users, we want to prevent people from driving while intoxicated.

Driving after drinking or taking drugs is extremely dangerous and is one of the Fatal 5 – five factors that are known to cause serious injuries and deaths on the road.

This page contains information on the risks of drink/drug driving, how to report related offences, and how you can stay safe.

The effects of drugs and alcohol on drivers

Drugs and alcohol are proven to drastically impair driving ability. Drivers are up to 10 times more likely to cause a serious or fatal collision after taking cocaine. Driving under the influence of cannabis doubles the risk of a fatal or serious collision.

Not only do intoxicated drivers suffer from slower reactions, but they can also experience dangerous overconfidence and engage in poor decision making that endangers both themselves and other road users.

No amount of drink or drugs is safe. If you plan to drive, you should avoid them altogether.

Policing activity

Our officers are working hard to catch people who drive under the influence.

In 2024, we performed over 9,000 breath tests for alcohol. We also completed almost 3,000 drug wipes at the roadside. We have sophisticated technology to help us catch offenders, and we pursue such people with all the policing powers available to us.

We work tirelessly across Lancashire to reduce instances of drink/drug driving, and to hold those who offend to account.

Make alternative travel plans

If you think there is a chance you will drink or take drugs, do not plan to drive afterwards. Instead, book a taxi, arrange a pickup, use public transport or have a designated sober driver in your group.

Planning how you’ll get home keeps you and others safe on the road.

This is important if you’re planning to visit a rural pub or restaurant, where there may be no public transport available. We often see people thinking they are ‘safe’ to drink in their local pub and drive home using back roads, but this is not the case. Not only is this extremely dangerous but we are aware this is taking place.

The morning after the night before

Don’t forget that alcohol and drugs take time to pass through your system. This can be different for everyone. You might still be over the limit the morning after – avoid driving soon after becoming intoxicated.

Alcohol and drugs can stay in your system longer than you think they do. If you are driving to work, school or out to do your Christmas shopping the morning after, you might still be over the limit.

Reporting drink/drug drivers

If you know someone is over the limit and is about to drive, call 999 immediately.

Reporting someone isn’t being a ‘grass’, it’s protecting them and other road users from getting seriously hurt or even killed.

Everyone has a responsibility to stop drink/drug driving. This includes you, if you are ever offered a lift by someone who is intoxicated.

If you would like to report a crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.