ONE in ten drivers pulled over by police officers in the Teesside and Durham areas have been found to be over the legal drink drive limit in the last two weeks.

Officers have breathalysed more than 400 drivers as part of a summer drink-drive campaign since June 1 – and have found 40 were intoxicated.

Today they were pulling drivers over at random in central Stockton and seized a vehicle for having no insurance, as well as handing out fines for bald tyres.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while over the limit on either alcohol or drugs.

Inspector Mark Pitt, of Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “This is a mass screening campaign and it is our summer campaign which runs from June 1 for a month.

“People tend to drink more heavily in the summer period and that is why this nationwide campaign runs at this time of year, coinciding with our Christmas campaign in winter.

“We have taken a number of people off the roads in the last few days , making the roads safer.”

Throughout the campaign officers are trying to educate drivers as well as enforce the law through the random checks.

During the same campaign last summer, 66 people were found to have tested positive for driving whilst being under the influence of alcohol and 24 people were found to be driving under the influence of drugs.

Police are also asking people who are aware of drink drivers, for example someone who drives home regularly from the pub after a few drinks, to come forward with the information.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland (PCC), Barry Coppinger, said: “I fully support this campaign, and would repeat officers’ appeals to anyone with information regarding drivers that get behind the wheel whilst intoxicated to come forward with that information. That information could save lives.”

Ron Hogg, Durham’s PCC, said: “The majority of road users are responsible, yet this campaign is showing that some individuals are putting their lives, and those of others, in unnecessary danger.

“There is simply no reason why drivers should flout the law and driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

If you suspect anyone of drunk driving they can be reported to Cleveland Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.