Child, 15, arrested in drink/drug-driving campaign

A 15-year-old was the youngest driver arrested during Sussex Police's winter drink/drug-driving campaign, while the oldest was 80, the force says.

Operation Limit ran throughout December and saw 8,621 vehicles stopped, a 71% increase on the 2023 figures, and the highest ever for the campaign - but arrests were down 6% on 2023, with a total of 244 arrests.

During the campaign, just over 1,500 breath tests were carried out, with 112 people either failing or refusing to take the test.

More than 600 drug wipes were used, with 217 testing positive and 132 people being arrested.

Sussex Police's Chief Constable Jo Shiner said she was "disappointed" by the number of drivers who tested positive for drugs or were over the drink/drive limit.

She said: "Unfortunately, we've seen the consequences of people making the wrong choice and getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink and drugs.

The 15-year-old, who was too young to be driving and was also arrested on suspicion of being under the influence, still has their case ongoing.

Of those arrested in December, 64 (23.7%) were under 25 and 78 (28.8%) were aged 26-35, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ms Shiner added: "The use of recreational drugs, particularly amongst young people, is a real concern."

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