POLICE arrested 173 people for drink and drug driving across the Cleveland and Durham force areas over Christmas.

That was out of almost 3,000 motorists tested during the annual initiative, which runs between December and the beginning of January.

Of those arrested, 116 were for drink driving and 57 for drug driving.

Chief Inspector Graham Milne, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “The number of arrests this year has decreased slightly, meaning that there has been a marginal improvement in the number of people driving whilst intoxicated. It is good to know that the educational message is getting through to some people.

“Despite this, 173 drivers still took a risk with their lives and the lives of other road users during this campaign. This is disappointing and those drivers who took that risk over Christmas will now be dealt with through the criminal justice system and they will have to face the consequences of their poor decisions.

“I would urge anyone who has had an alcoholic drink or taken drugs and considers getting behind the wheel of their vehicle to think hard about the potentially fatal outcomes.”

Last years’ Christmas campaign saw 185 drivers arrested in connection with alcohol or drug driving.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, said: “While I am pleased with the success of this operation, it is disappointing to see so many people still choosing to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, risking their lives and the lives of others.

“Improving road safety is one of the priorities in my latest Police and Crime Plan and I will be looking at how we can best encourage responsible driving, as well as tackling offenders, as we move forward.”

For more advice on how to stay safe on our roads, click here