POLICE arrested more than 150 motorists as part of a Christmas clampdown on drink drivers in County Durham and Cleveland.

Officers from Cleveland Police joined Durham Police force in a joint scheme to run The Only Safe Drink is a Soft Drink campaign.

A total of 2,241 motorists were breath-tested across both areas during December targeting those who risked driving while impaired through drink or drugs.

In Durham 1,347 breath tests were carried out with 78 people arrested while in Cleveland 894 drivers were tested with 74 arrested.

During December 2012 a similar campaign saw 3,250 motorists tested with 96 either giving a positive reading, refusing to provide a specimen or failing to provide one.

Chief Inspector Ed Turner, head of the joint Cleveland and Durham specialist operations unit, said: “It is disappointing that so many motorists got behind the wheel and drove, despite being unfit to do so.

“Drink-driving is one of the four main causes of fatalities on the roads. It will continue to be a priority throughout the year.”

Northumbria Police also carried out tests in December with 146 drivers arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Of those arrested 101 have been charged and are to appear at court.

Chief Inspector George Maratty, of the force’s motor patrols, said: "Drink driving costs and ruins lives and we will continue to pro-actively target drink drivers.

“This should be a warning to anyone that drinks and drives that it's not worth the risk."

A further 2,026 tests were conducted by North Yorkshire Police during December with 118 motorists arrested for being unfit through drink or drugs.

The force has charged 60 and they are to appear at court.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It’s pleasing that we managed to make so many arrests but it’s also disappointing that people are still willing to take the risk.”