DESPITE a festive crackdown and recent police warnings, people in the region are continuing to drink drive, according to officers.

A national Christmas Drink and Drug campaign saw 3,250 drivers breath-tested by police officers from Cleveland and Durham.

Officers targeted areas notorious for drink-related collisions and drink and drug drive offenders during the operation, which took place throughout December and early January.

Of the drivers stopped, almost three per cent - equating to 96 people – tested positive, refused to take the test or failed to provide a sample of breath, a slight rise in figures from last year’s campaign.

Temporary Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Jacqui Cheer said: “Whilst it is pleasing to see that the majority of drivers have listened to our warnings, there are a number of people who, disappointingly, still believe it is acceptable to drink and drive.

"We’d like to repeat our warnings again. It is completely unacceptable, dangerous and extremely selfish to get behind the wheel of a car when under the influence of drink of drugs.

"Think about the families and lives you could affect should you seriously injure or even kill yourself or an innocent member of the public."

Durham chief constable, Mike Barton said: "A number of those caught will have been tested in the morning, when alcohol was still in their body.

"Even just one drink can affect your reactions as a driver, which is why the only safe amount is none at all.

"Drink-driving is not just an issue for the festive period, it is something we are aware of and act on throughout the year."