More than 200 drivers checked in Torquay drink-drive operation

More than 200 vehicles were stopped as police carried out seasonal drink-drive checks on Torbay Road in Torquay last weekend.

Officers from the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team ran Operation Limit on Saturday night (13 December), with the checkpoint proving extremely busy. During a two-and-a-half-hour period, 15 breath tests were administered and no drivers were found to be over the legal drink-drive limit.

Sergeant Neil Powers, from the Torquay Neighbourhood Police Team, said officers were encouraged by the results but urged motorists not to become complacent as the festive period continues.

He said: “We are pleased that no motorists at all were found to be over the legal drink drive limit during this operation and we hope that drivers continue to be sensible and don’t take risks over the festive period.

“Using drink or drugs behind the wheel can be very dangerous for drivers and other road users and can lead to serious or fatal road traffic collisions.

“We will continue to make regular checks on drivers and urge them to make sure they stick to soft drinks if they think they may need to drive somewhere. We would also like to remind motorists that alcohol remains in the system for quite some time so if you have had a few drinks the night before you may not be safe to get behind the wheel the next morning and could be over the legal drink drive limit.”

During the operation, one driver provided a breath reading of 25 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, while another recorded 17 micrograms. The legal limit is 35 micrograms. Both drivers were spoken to by officers and given advice about the potential consequences of their behaviour.

Police also issued advice to 22 motorists about the condition of their vehicles, including defective headlamps and rear number plates that were not illuminated.

Operation Limit is a Devon & Cornwall Police initiative aimed at tackling seasonal drink and drug driving throughout December, with checks taking place across both counties. The force is part of the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Partnership, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the region’s roads.