AS the summer drink and drug drive campaign comes to an end, North Yorkshire Police are reminding drivers that the fight against drink and drug driving is far from over.

One hundred and 11 arrests have been made as part of this summer’s campaign which has been running between June 1 and 30, including seven arrests in Ryedale, 14 in Hambleton and 17 in Scarborough.

Forty per cent of people arrested have been at least twice the legal drink drive limit and 12 per cent have been three times the legal limit. In the same campaign last year, only six per cent were found to be over three times the limit, which is an alarming increase.

More than 14 per cent of those arrested were found to be under the influence of drugs with 10 people providing positive samples on new drug testing devices. In total, police have carried out more than 850 breath tests during the campaign.

Seventy people have already been charged to appear in court.

Of those cases, magistrates have been handing out some fines and lengthy bans including:

A 35-year-old man was arrested on the A1 (M) near Sinderby with a reading of 78ug per 100ml of breath. He was given a £550 fine and ordered to pay £240 court costs along with a 46 month ban.

An 18-year-old man, arrested in Selby with a reading of 59ug per 100ml, received a £581 fine and was ordered to pay £285 court costs. He also received a 16 month driving ban.

Sgt Andy Morton, of North Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Group, said: “While we are pleased we have taken these dangerous drink and drug drivers off the road, it’s very disappointing that people still continue to ignore the warnings and drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel. Not only are they a danger to themselves, they put everyone else on the road at risk.

“Drivers should be assured that drink and drug driving will continue to be a priority for us for the rest of the year. Whilst the national summer campaign may be over, the fight against drink and drug driving in North Yorkshire is not.

“We are out on the roads looking for people breaking the law. No matter what time of year it is, if you choose to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, we are out there and we will catch you. You will face a court appearance, a hefty fine, a driving ban and the possibility of a prison sentence.

“I’d like to thank the members of the public who contacted us about suspected drink and drug drivers. This has assisted us throughout this campaign, enabling us to take these people off the roads. Two drivers of heavy goods vehicles, one a tanker and one carrying steel, were amongst those stopped as a direct result of information from the public.

“I appeal to members of the public that if they have information about anyone who is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option one and pass the details to the Force Control Room.

“For those who would prefer to remain anonymous, please phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. You could save someone’s life.”