Summer drink and drug driving campaign leads to 161 arrests

Leicestershire Police has arrested 161 people during its summer drink and drug driving campaign, with officers warning that far too many motorists are continuing to put their own lives, and the lives of others, at risk.

The campaign, which ran throughout the recent World Cup tournament, saw officers carrying out proactive enforcement activity across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to target those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

In total, 161 people were arrested, including:

• 117 on suspicion of drink driving

• 30 on suspicion of drug driving

• 14 for failing to provide a sample

The highest number of arrests were made in Leicester, where 70 people were detained. Elsewhere, there were also large numbers including, 24 arrests in Charnwood, 18 in Blaby and 16 in North-West Leicestershire.

More than a quarter of all arrests followed road traffic collisions, highlighting the devastating consequences impaired driving can have. One driver arrested during the campaign was found to be almost four times the legal alcohol limit!

Officers also continued to raise awareness of the dangers of driving the morning after drinking. During the campaign, 23 motorists were arrested between 5am and midday, demonstrating that alcohol can remain in a person's system long after they believe they are fit to drive.

Those arrested were from a wide range of age groups. Nearly one in five were aged 24 or under, while the oldest person arrested was 82. Eighteen women were also arrested as part of the operation.

Chief Inspector Jodie White, of Leicestershire Police's Specialist Support Department, said: "We encouraged everyone to think about how they would get home before kick-off and plan ahead if they intended to drink alcohol.”

"Despite those messages, the number of arrests made during the campaign is deeply concerning and shows that too many people are still making dangerous decisions behind the wheel.”

"If you've been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, don't take the risk of driving. Arrange a lift with a sober driver, book a taxi, use public transport or stay overnight.”

"Our officers will continue carrying out proactive patrols and enforcement activity to identify and deal with drink and drug drivers, helping keep our roads safe for everyone."

While the World Cup may now be over, roads policing officers will continue enforcement activity around the clock across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Anyone with information about suspected drink or drug drivers can report it online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101.

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Leicestershire Police News - Published: 22/07/2026