A CHRISTMAS legacy continues to impact on road sfaety across the region, with Essex Police highlighting the success of its campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.

The force says it is continuing to implement its robust approach to road safety through its traditional Christmas-based Operation Limit, a designated campaign targeting drug and drink driving across the county. 

A statement from the force says: "Our commitment has proven so effective in identifying drink and drug drivers that in six months, our Roads Policing Unit officers have made a significant number of arrests through specific days of action, arresting a total of 234 people with 162 suspected drug drivers and 19 drink drivers. 

"Between January and June, Operation Limit has been conducted almost weekly, with a total of 17 operations carried out so far this year across Colchester, Southend, Clacton, Chelmsford, Basildon, and Canvey Island.

"This operation adopts a zero-tolerance approach to moving traffic offences, which often serve as a gateway to roadside drug and alcohol testing, allowing officers to focus on enforcement duties.

Operation Limit directly supports the Vision Zero ambition of eliminating road deaths in Essex by 2040 or sooner. Its importance is accentuated by a troubling rise in fatalities: 31 people have lost their lives on Essex roads this year, compared to 19 during the same period in 2024.

"Beyond road safety, the operation demonstrates the cross-cutting capability of roads policing. Officers have uncovered a range of other offences, including drug supply, drug possession and vehicle crime. The link between road safety and vehicle legality is also evident, with over 500 vehicles seized monthly for insurance and licence offences.

Operation Limit key results to date:

• Arrests: 234

• Drug Driving: 162

• Drink Driving: 19

• Immigration Offences: 23

• Possession with Intent to Supply Drugs: 7

• Other Crimes: 23

• Traffic Offence Reports (TOR): 2,156

• Vehicle seizures (no insurance/no tax/stolen): 253

• Speeding offences captured on camera: 823

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing said: "Operation Limit has clearly demonstrated the serious risks we all face when using our urban, rural, and strategic road networks. The results are deeply concerning and should serve as a wake-up call to everyone.

"This operation has been designed to maintain our frontline operational capability. Once an individual is arrested, they are transferred to the care of a dedicated custody team, allowing our officers to return to the roads swiftly and continue their vital work.

"We know that excessive speed remains the second highest contributing factor in all injury-related road traffic collisions. However, this operation has also brought to light the alarming prevalence of drug driving - specifically under the influence of cannabis and cocaine.

"Our communities must lead the way in demanding change — changing perceptions, challenging dangerous behaviours, and recognising the stark reality this operation has revealed.

Tragically, Essex Roads Policing Unit officers have already had to deliver the devastating news of a loved one's death to 32 families across the county this year. These are not just statistics—they are lives lost and families shattered."

Essex Police urges all drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.