“January’s arrests are simply extraordinary, with drug driving now overtaking drink driving as the leading cause of impaired driving,” says Essex Police’s Head of Roads Policing.

Last month, officers arrested 402 drivers for offences linked to drug and drink driving.

Of these, 228 arrests were for drug driving – 98 more than in January 2025 and the highest January total since 2017.

Building on the work undertaken during Operation Limit in December, Roads Policing teams carried out two further targeted deployments in January aimed at identifying and arresting drivers unfit through drink or drugs. On just two of those days, 38 arrests were made:

• 16 in Chelmsford on 17 January

• 22 in Basildon on 31 January

Reflecting on the figures, Mr Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing in Essex had this to say.

“What the data shows us, is these aren’t isolated drink or drug driving offences. There is a broader culture of risk taking, non compliance and, in some cases, entrenched criminality.

“Movements on our roads can sometimes mask deeper risks, including exploitation, coercion and other hidden harms. In fact, 42% of those arrested throughout January had links to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls offences.

“There are also clear patterns of co offending and wider risk taking behaviours, including uninsured driving, drug possession and failing to stop.

“We’re seeing certain sectors disproportionately represented too – particularly those working early mornings, late nights and long shifts, where morning after impairment is a real danger.

“Taken together, this gives us a clearer picture: enforcement and education are key to reducing collisions, and we will use this information to refine our strategy to keep everyone safe on Essex’s roads.”

Essex Police remains a committed member of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, working to improve safety on roads across the county.