MORE than 20 drivers have been arrested in the first week of North Yorkshire Police’s Christmas drink-drive campaign.

On average, those arrested have recorded breathalyser readings of almost twice the legal drink drive limit.

One man in his 60s, who was stopped in Scarborough, blew more than three-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Five motorists were arrested within the first 24 hours of the campaign – the youngest was aged 17.

Two arrests have been made in Ryedale and six in Scarborough during the first week of the campaign.

Eight have been charged and bailed to appear in front of magistrates so far.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Already we’re encountering people who have ignored our warnings and decided to make the wrong decisions.

“It’s simple – if you’re selfish enough to drink and drive, we will catch you.

“Every year, we warn people not to drive after drinking or taking drugs.

“And at this time of year every year, intoxicated drivers end up in our cells and in the courts, where they lose their licence and are hit with heavy fines, driving bans and even prison sentences.

“So this year, we’re aiming our drink drive message at a different group of motorists – people who’d never dream of drinking and driving.

“We hope law-abiding motorists can help us keep the roads safe by keeping an eye on friends when they’re out and about and stopping them taking to the road if they’re under the influence.

“We’d also encourage them to pass on information about drink or drug drivers by calling us on 101.”

The campaign is organised by 95 Alive, the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership comprising, North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council, district councils and community safety.

If you see someone about to drink and drive notify police immediately by phoning 999.

If you have information about someone who you believe regularly drives after consuming alcohol or drugs, phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to pass this information on to officers.