A ST HELENS man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving as police hit a milestone in a Christmas operation on the roads.

Officers recorded their 300th arrest as part of Op Limit, an annual drink and drug driving campaign, which will continue to run until Monday, January 2, 2023.

Officers from Merseyside Police's Matrix Roads Policing Unit say they are determined to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

They are working to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

St Helens man arrested

Yesterday (Thursday, December 15) was busy for Op Limit with several arrests made across Merseyside.

At about 3.20pm, a 40-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of drug driving on Cronton Road, in Huyton.

The man has been released under investigation.

Later that same day, at around 7pm on Claremont Road, Liverpool officers arrested a 54-year-old man from Ainsdale on suspicion of drug driving. He has been released under investigation.

At around 11pm, officers arrested and charged William Neave, 18, of Squirrel Green, Formby, with drink driving after a vehicle was stopped by officers on Altcar Road.

He has been released on unconditional bail to appear in court in January 2023.

300 arrests

Inspector Stuart McIver from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit said: “To make 300 arrests already as part of Op Limit shows how seriously we take drink and drug driving offences in Merseyside.

"Let me be clear, we don't view 300 arrests as a positive, but it shows how determined we are to stop people endangering their own and other people's lives.

“We will not rest during this campaign, particularly as we enter what is expected to be one of the busiest weekends as Christmas approaches.

“For those who visit the shops, bars, clubs and restaurants across Merseyside, we want them to do so safely and get home safely. Please plan ahead and drink sensibly. We want everyone to have an enjoyable weekend and now find themselves in police custody.

“If you do drive under the influence of drink, drugs, or both, you are putting your own safety at risk, the safety of everyone in your vehicle, and the safety of every other road user you come across on your journey. Think of the consequences before drink or drug driving – a crash or conviction can shatter many lives including your own.”

If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.