Hundreds of December drink and drug drivers arrested in the West

More than 200 arrests have been made in the first two weeks in December by police forces in the West of England for drink or drug driving offences.

It is part of action over the festive period to tackle the offence on the roads of Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

Officers have been conducting roadside checks, warning drivers there is “no safe way” to drink and drive.

Avon and Somerset Police said the latest statistics were slightly up on the same point last year.

So far in December 2025, Avon and Somerset Police say 117 people have been arrested for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while behind the wheel.

In Gloucestershire, 43 arrests have been made up to 15 December for the same offences, while Wiltshire has recorded 54 instances.

Forces are actively seeking out drink and drug drivers over the festive period, using roadside stops, ANPR technology and CCTV cameras.

Avon and Somerset Police said this year is a slight rise on last year’s figure for the same period of 111 arrests.

In December 2024, the total number of arrests for drink or drug driving, as part of Operation Limit by Avon and Somerset Police was 241.

In Gloucestershire, the number for December 2024 was 117, and in Wiltshire it was 89, both with smaller force areas than Avon and Somerset Police.

Figures from the Home Office in 2024 show December is the month where most breath tests take place nationally.

Earlier in 2025, a man from Taunton was sentenced to nine years in prison after getting behind the wheel of a van under the influence of drugs and alcohol, going on to kill a 77-year-old woman.

Michael Atkinson, 38, hit Sally Blew while she was crossing Lisieux Way in Taunton shortly before 10:00 GMT on 10 March.

Not only did Atkinson test positive for substances, he was already disqualified from driving at the time of the incident.

Insp Matt Boiles, of the roads policing team at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This case is a stark reminder that driving while intoxicated is never a victimless act.

“One decision can destroy lives in seconds — including your own.

“This was not a momentary lapse in judgement or an unavoidable mistake. The offender made a deliberate decision to get behind the wheel of a van while intoxicated, fully aware of the risks.

“That choice has had devastating consequences, not only for the victims and their families, but for the offender himself.”