A THIRD more drink and drug drivers have been caught over the Christmas period in North Yorkshire than the previous year, figures reveal.

North Yorkshire Police’s Christmas campaign targeting those who drink and drug drive saw an arrest increase of 33 per cent on the previous year.

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Between December 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022, officers made 137 arrests.

Of these, 97 were for drink driving and 40 were drug related.

Scarborough saw the highest number at 29, followed by Harrogate with 27 and York with 21.

In Richmond, 14 suspects were arrested over the Christmas holiday period and Hambleton saw ten arrests.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton said: “This rise in drink driving arrests can be attributed to a number of factors, however we have been very pro-active throughout this campaign and our determination to target those who take such risks on our roads has never waned.

“I am sure none of those who were arrested were expecting to be stopped by a police officer on that journey. But I want to remind those who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs – we are watching, and you will be caught."

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