A FESTIVE crackdown on drink and drug driving across England’s largest county led to more than 100 people being arrested.

Figures released by police show that almost 3,000 roadside breath tests were carried out in North Yorkshire last month.

That is 900 more than during the previous Christmas drink-drive blitz – and a total of 103 people were arrested.

And police have pledged that their efforts to stop drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking will continue.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “I am extremely frustrated that over 100 people in December thought it was acceptable to put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel while suspected of being under the influence of drink or drugs.

“I find it staggering that, despite repeated warnings and well documented tragedies caused by drink and drug driving, there are still people out there who ignore the dangers.

“It is not just people with criminal backgrounds who are breaking the law in this way, it is members of our communities who really should know better.”

He added: “People need to know that there is absolutely no excuse for drink or drug driving and if you are caught you will be treated like any other criminal and put before the courts.”

Mr Madgwick warned: “If people think that we only arrest drink and drug drivers during our Christmas or summer campaigns, they’ve got another think coming.

“We arrested over 1,000 people on suspicion of drink or drug driving in 2014, which goes to show that this is a year-round effort which will continue relentlessly until the message gets across.”

The police are also urging local people to help by reporting anyone they suspect of getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. select option one and speak to the force control room or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111.