Motorists are being asked to pull over by Merseyside police officers as checks are carried out this month.
Police officers have been seen approaching drivers in various locations right across the region in a bid to crack down on drink and drug driving offences over the Christmas period. Officers are also carrying out vital car checks.
As seen in Huyton and Formby, many people are taking to social media to wonder why officers are out in force. Merseyside Police launched its Op Limit campaign on November 21 which will run until January 2.
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Already, more than 300 people have been arrested through the annual drink and drug driving campaign. Officers from the Knowsley policing team were seen out and about last week as they issued a stark warning to all motorists.
Writing on social media they said: "With over 300 people arrested since the beginning of #OpLimit, our annual drink and drug driving campaign, we will not rest until we stop all those who think driving under the influence is worth the risk to them and everyone around them.
"Remember, think of the consequences before drink or drug driving, and stay safe this festive season."
Officers from the Matrix Roads Policing Unit and colleagues across the force are determined to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
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."
Op Limit coincides with Operation Shepherd, which is Merseyside Police's annual campaign to reduce crime and keep communities safe during the festive season. Op Limit, which also runs nationally and was previously known in Merseyside as Operation Nemesis, aims to prevent unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on the roads and to raise awareness of the dangers around driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
If you have information about anyone who is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact Merseyside Police Contact Centre, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
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