POLICE in North Yorkshire arrested more than 100 people during their annual drink and drugs driving crackdown over the festive season.

In the month-long operation, officers conducted 3,455 breath tests and arrested 114 motorists on suspicion of drink driving.

In York, 340 breath tests were carried out with 11 testing positive; with 342 in Selby (16 positive), 882 in Scarborough and Ryedale (19 positive), 488 breath tests (18 positive) in Hambleton and Richmondshire officers and 556 (31 positive) in Harrogate.

Thirteen drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired through drugs.

Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer said it was “concerning” so many arrests were made during the festive crackdown.

“The vast majority of people know that drink and drug driving is reckless, dangerous and irresponsible, which was evident in the number of calls we received to report people suspected of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“The public’s support is invaluable in helping to keep our roads safe from drink and drug drivers and I would like to thank everyone for their continued help.”

Sgt Stringer urged people to continue to help tackle drink and drug drivers, stressing it was an on-going campaign to prevent drink driving.

“It will continue year after year until people get the message that drink driving costs lives and is completely unacceptable.”

Since the latest campaign officially finished on January 1, officers have continued to carry out breath tests and have made 13 arrests.

Yesterday, a 19-year-old man was arrested for drink driving after someone in Malton saw a Vauxhall Corsa go through traffic lights at speed and hit a pillar in Yorkersgate.

To report someone you suspect of drink or drug driving, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Last year’s festive drink and drugs driving crackdown campaign saw officers conduct 2,778 roadside breath tests and arrest 100 people.

More than 60 motorists were subsequently charged, of whom at least 28 were banned from driving.

Five people were also arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, during the month-long crackdown.