CLEVELAND and Durham police have revealed the results of a major drink drive campaign that coincided with the World Cup.

More than 190 drivers were charged with drink and drug driving offences or failing to provide samples across the two police force areas in the month-long campaign.

Mass screenings and stop checks were carried out at roadside checkpoints, both in the morning and evening, where drivers were asked to provide a voluntary breath test.

About 3,400 tests were administered in the crackdown, which ran from June 14.

Inspector Jonathan Malcolm of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “We made it absolutely clear to drivers that we would be stepping up our efforts and we warned people against the dangers of drink and drug driving.

“Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of people who seem to think that they can take risks with their own lives as well as other peoples.

He added: “A number of those caught were tested in the morning, when alcohol was still in their body. Even just one drink can affect your reactions as a driver, which is why the only safe amount is none at all.

“Those people identified through our campaign as drink or drug drivers will now face the consequences of their actions.

“Our mass screenings were well received by the public and most were happy to engage with us. We will continue to carry out these operations throughout the year to ensure that our roads are as safe as they possibly can be.”

North Yorkshire police revealed last week that 118 motorists had been arrested in the same month as officers vowed to continue tackling the “destructive scourge” of driving under the influence

Officers had been out around the clock, conduction roadside checks, carrying out traffic stops and targeting known offenders.

So far, ten drivers have been convicted at court and banned from the roads for a total of 22 years.

They have been fined a total of more than £6,500. Some have received community orders.

The longest ban so far is 48 months and the biggest individual fine was almost £3,500.

On average, those arrested blew twice the legal drink drive limit. The number of arrests is up by 20 since last year.

Officers say the rise could be down to people going out to watch World Cup matches, the warm weather and effective enforcement tactics across North Yorkshire.

Roads Policing Inspector Dave Barf said: “The high number of arrests during our campaign shows how determined we are to take drink and drug drivers off our roads. “It’s a destructive scourge that wrecks people’s lives, so I’m glad we’ve had such positive impact during our month-long campaign.

“I hope it’ll make people think twice. But unfortunately, drink and drug drivers tend only to think about themselves.”