PSNI launches winter crackdown on drink and drug driving with warning: ‘You are risking lives’

A vehicle checkpoint at Shaws Bridge in Belfast at the winter anti drink and drug campaign launch

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has issued a stark warning to motorists as it launches its winter anti–drink and drug driving campaign, urging drivers to “make good choices” amid rising concern about impaired driving across the region.

The annual operation, announced in Belfast today (Tuesday 2 December), will see intensified roadside testing, coordinated cross-border enforcement, and high-visibility checkpoints deployed throughout December and into the New Year.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson delivered a clear and uncompromising message:

“There is no excuse for driving with drink or drugs. If you get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having a drink, or taken drugs, you are putting yourself and everyone else at risk.”

Proactive policing and cross-border operations

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson

The winter crackdown will include targeted vehicle stops for drivers suspected of driving under the influence, with officers from the Road Policing Unit, Interceptor Teams, neighbourhood policing teams and Tactical Support Group all taking part.

Chief Superintendent Donaldson confirmed that officers will “coordinate road safety operations in border counties, with colleagues from An Garda Síochána Traffic Corp,” adding that “authorised vehicle checkpoints will be in operation as a very visible, physical deterrent to anyone thinking about drink or drug driving.”

‘Reckless’ decisions putting lives at risk

Last year’s winter campaign saw 6,265 preliminary breath tests conducted between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025, resulting in 298 arrests for drink or drug driving. Between 1 January and 30 November this year, police recorded 2,582 arrests for related offences.

“These figures show that people are still willing to take the risk, that some people on our roads simply don’t care about how their selfish and reckless decisions can harm others and that is really disturbing,” Chief Superintendent Donaldson said.

“Driving with drink or drugs is a crime and drastically increases the chances of causing a collision. It only takes one drink.”

He urged anyone planning a night out to avoid alcohol or drugs completely if they intend to drive:

“Drink or drug driving is one of the ‘Fatal Five’, which are the main reasons people are dying on our roads. If convicted of drink or drug driving, you will face the prospect of starting the New Year with a court appearance and losing your driving licence. This can have a huge impact on your life and that of your family.”

Public urged to report suspected offenders

Police are calling on the public to play their part by reporting anyone they believe may be drink or drug driving.

“Report it immediately on 101, or in an emergency dial 999,” Chief Superintendent Donaldson said.

“If you prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. By reporting could help save a life on the roads.”

Crimestoppers has pledged its support for the campaign.

Mick Duthie, the charity’s Director of Operations, said:

“Crimestoppers supports this campaign to help make Northern Ireland’s roads safer. If you know someone who is drink or drug driving regularly, and you prefer to stay anonymous, our charity is here to support you.

“Please let us know either via our website or by calling our 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, where you will stay completely anonymous. No one will ever know you communicated with our charity.”

Drugwipe rollout reveals ‘concerning’ results

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson with a roadside alcohol testing kit

This winter marks the first full campaign since PSNI expanded the use of Drugwipe roadside testing kits, following a pilot that began in August 2024.

“This year a number of our Roads Policing, Tactical Support Group and local District officers will also have Drugwipes at their disposal,” Chief Superintendent Donaldson confirmed.

“This will allow us to target those using illegal drugs while driving and ensure they face the full rigours of the law for their lack of care for the safety of fellow citizens.”

The results so far have raised concern.

“Since then officers have conducted approximately 150 tests, 79 have tested positive for cannabis and/or cocaine. These figures evidence that when the circumstances allow for officers to conduct a drugs wipe test there is approximately a 50 per cent positive return rate, which is really concerning.”

Drugwipe testing will run alongside Preliminary Impairment Tests and existing breathalyser checks.

“In addition, every driver or motorcyclist stopped by police for any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed. Anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs will also be tested,” he said.

The PSNI is also supporting the Department for Infrastructure’s anti-drug driving campaign, appealing to all road users to “make good choices to ensure they and everyone on the roads get home safely.”