Operation Limit launches across Greater Manchester tackling drink and drug driving this festive season

Today (1 December 2025), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is joining forces nationwide in Operation Limit, a national campaign running from 1 December to 1 January, aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by drink and drug driving.

Op Limit is the national Christmas drink and drug driving initiative that all UK police forces support. Its primary goal is clear: to prevent tragedies on our roads by targeting those who choose to drive under the influence.

Throughout December and into the New Year, our officers will be conducting roadside checks across every district in Greater Manchester. These checks will focus not only on drink and drug driving but also on the Fatal Four offences: speeding, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence.

This operation forms part of Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Vision Zero strategy that aims to eliminate road death and life-changing injury by 2040.

Officers will be carrying out roadside breathalyser and drug wipe tests throughout the campaign. Last year during the same period, 570 people were arrested, demonstrating our determination to tackle impaired driving and keep our roads safe.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, Safer Transport Team said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue.

“Our officers see the devastating impact of drink and drug driving far too often. We will be carrying out roadside checks right across Greater Manchester throughout December and will take action against anyone who thinks they can ignore the law.

“Education is key. If we identify drivers with a lack of road safety awareness, we will aim to educate where possible.

“Driving under the influence can change your life, and the lives of others, in an instant. No night out is worth risking your life.

"I urge everyone in Greater Manchester to think twice before driving under the influence and to challenge anyone willing to take that risk.”

Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said: “Operation Limit is a vital part of our commitment to creating safer streets for everyone in Greater Manchester.

“Drink and drug driving continues to cause heart-breaking and completely preventable harm, and we cannot allow it to put more people at risk.

“As we work towards our Vision Zero ambition to eliminate deaths and life-changing injuries on our roads by 2040, I’m asking people to plan ahead, make sensible decisions, and look after themselves and others this festive period.”

Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways and vice chair of the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership, said: "Driving over the drink-drive limit or under the influence of drugs is illegal and puts lives at serious risk.

"Sadly, collisions caused by driver impairment remain a major factor in people being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Behind every statistic is a life forever changed or lost, leaving families and loved ones to mourn. 

"We want everyone to think twice: if you’re planning to drink, leave the car at home. The risks are simply not worth it - you’re highly likely to get caught or cause real harm to yourself and others". 

We urge all drivers to make responsible choices this festive season. We have a zero-tolerance approach to this issue. Together, we can make Greater Manchester’s roads safer for everyone.

If you are concerned someone is going to drink or drug drive, report it immediately by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More information about drink and drug driving can be found here: Alcohol and drug driving | Greater Manchester Police