MORE than 60 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving since the launch of North Yorkshire’s annual Christmas safety campaign.

Up to 28 of the 61 people arrested have been charged with drink or drug driving or failure to provide a specimen, and face losing their driving licences.

This is an improvement on last year, when 67 people were arrrested and 37 faced losing their licence by December 19, 2012.

Of the people caught behind the wheel, there were 16 arrests in York, four in the Selby District, 11 in the Scarborough area, ten in the Harrogate and Ripon area, along with 13 in Hambleton/Richmondshire and seven in Craven.

A police spokesman said one of the people arrested was a woman more than twice the legal limit who will appear before York Magistrates Court on Monday.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “If you are attending a Christmas party or are planning a night out with friends of the next couple of weeks, start thinking about how you are going to get home.

“The reason we patrol the roads looking out for drink and drug drivers at this time of year is to keep people safe.

“We all know that getting behind the wheel while impaired is irresponsible and dangerous and we have to try and stop people who still think it is acceptable. If you do take the risk, there is a good chance you will be caught and banned from the roads. You are also in danger of doing serious harm to yourself or somebody else, ruining Christmas for your own or another family.”

Sgt Morton also urged revellers to drink responsibly over the festive period and follow basic personal safety advice.

He said: “Don’t accept a drink from someone you have just met, unless you see it being served. Otherwise, there is the danger that they may have spiked the drink before handing it to you.

“Consider pre-booking a taxi or if you are out in a group, nominate a person to stay sober who can give you a lift home. If you have to walk home, use a well-lit route, avoiding dimly lit short cuts and don’t go by yourself. If you have no choice but to walk alone, make arrangements to let someone know you have arrived home safely.”