MORE than 100 drivers were found to be driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a recent summer campaign by police.

96 of the 135 drivers were found to be drink driving, 15 provided a positive drugs test, 16 were unfit to drive and eight failed to provide a sample.

Almost 2,500 breath tests were carried out across both the Cleveland and Durham force areas during the month long campaign, which began on June 1.

Inspector Jon Curtis, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Those drivers who were found to be under the influence of drink or drugs will now be dealt with appropriately.

“One driver found to be over the limit is too many. Driving under the influence is one of the main causes of serious or fatal road collisions on our roads and we won’t tolerate it.”

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I am fully supportive of this campaign and the work of our roads policing officers in making our roads a safer place.”

Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, added: “Those who drive under the influence need to realise that their actions can have devastating consequences.

"It is disappointing that some people still get behind the wheel and risk their lives and the lives of others.”