Crime, Motoring & Transport | Posted on December 1st, 2025 | return to news

Drink and drug driving campaign launched in Dorset

Communities are being asked to help the police by reporting people they suspect of being over the limit or who have taken drugs.

Dorset Police has launched its Christmas drink and drug drive campaign and is asking communities to report offenders.

Between now and Thursday 1 January 2026, officers from the Roads Policing Team will be intensifying their efforts to catch anyone driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injury or fatal road traffic collisions. In December 2024, 15 people died or were seriously injured on Dorset’s roads, which is why the Force is urging people to take action this festive season and keep all road users safe.

During the month-long Festive Feedback campaign, anyone who reports a drink or drug driver will receive a call from a member of Dorset Police at a later date, providing them with an update on what happened.

All year round, each call reporting someone driving under the influence is assessed, and intelligence is gathered to help officers target resources in the right place and take off the road those who are at risk of causing the most harm.

Inspector Joe Wheable, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Despite our continued efforts, we know that some people will still try to drive while under the influence this festive period. Most people already know about the dangers of drink and drug driving, but there are a minority who continue to flout the law.

“We want to appeal to the majority to help us and do the right thing by discouraging this behaviour and reporting anyone who is driving while under the influence to the police. We will take action and will give you a call back to show our appreciation and let you know what happened.

“This type of behaviour can sadly result in a road traffic collision, which is not only damaging for those involved, but also their loved ones and the wider community.

“We will be intensifying our efforts throughout December and will be out and about, day and night, to catch anyone who is posing a risk to road users.

“We want everyone to have the confidence to come forward and report a possible drink or drug driver to us — we can’t take action if we don’t know about it, and your report could help save a life.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “As we move into the winter months, celebrations and darker evenings can increase the temptation to take risks on our roads. I want to be absolutely clear: drink or drug driving is never acceptable.

“Every decision to get behind the wheel while impaired endangers the lives of all road users. The consequences are not just fines or arrests; they include profound and lasting harm to individuals, families and communities, with incidents that are entirely preventable.

“As Dorset Police works tirelessly to keep our communities safe by catching those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, I urge the people of Dorset to plan responsibly and ensure everyone gets home safely. Quite simply — it is not worth the risk.”

If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.