Cumbria Police Arrest Over 160 Drivers in Drink & Drug Driving Crackdown

Cumbria Police report that officers made more than 160 arrests in December 2025 during a dedicated campaign targeting drink‑ and drug‑affected drivers on roads across the county. The figures highlight ongoing enforcement efforts to improve road safety and remove dangerous motorists from traffic.
The operation, part of Operation Limit, saw a total of 165 arrests, including drivers suspected of being over the legal alcohol limit or unfit due to drugs. Of those arrested, around 94 were in connection with drug‑related driving offences, while approximately 50 were linked to drink‑driving or being drunk in charge of a vehicle. A further group of arrests involved drivers who failed to provide a specimen or comply with testing procedures.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit led the initiative which involved increased patrols, targeted stops and roadside testing aiming to deter impaired driving and reduce the risk of collisions. While the total arrest number was slightly lower than the previous year, police representatives said the results demonstrate the continued threat posed by drink and drug driving and the importance of proactive enforcement.
Inspector Jack Stabler, speaking on behalf of the Roads Policing Unit, stressed that although the figures may suggest some improvements in driver behaviour, Cumbria Police remain committed to tackling dangerous driving year‑round, not just during seasonal campaigns. Members of the public are reminded that drugs can remain detectable in the body for days, and motorists should avoid driving if there is any possibility they are impaired.
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner also commented on the arrests, urging road users to take personal responsibility and understand the potentially devastating consequences that impaired driving can have not only on offenders but also on families and communities.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone who witnesses or suspects drink or drug driving to report it to police, reinforcing that safety on the county’s roads remains a priority throughout 2026 and beyond.