206 people arrested for drink and drug driving in four week crackdown

Police arrested 206 people on suspicion of drink and drug-driving during a month long summer campaign.

A total of 1,995 breath tests were conducted during the four week crackdown in June to help make the roads safer, including across Sefton.

Of the 206 people, 97 were arrested for drink- drive offences such as failing a breath test or refus- ing to give one, and 109 drivers tested positive for drugs such as cannabis or cocaine.

Of those arrested for drink drive offences 85% were male and 15% female with 67% in the 25-49 age range. For those stopped for drug driving offences 95% were male and 5% female and 70% were in the 25-49 age range.

The majority of people were stopped between 11pm and 3am (42%) with 29% stopped on a Sunday. All those arrested face a minimum 12- month driving ban and could be hit with a £5,000 fine by a magistrates court.

Inspector Keith Kellett, from the force’s roads poli- cing department said: “Hundreds of people are killed every year in this country because of drink and drug drivers.

“These incidents cause devastation to so many people yet could have been avoided if the motorist had chosen not to get behind the wheel while under the influence. Drink and drug driving is a serious offence with serious consequences and that is why we carry out targeted campaigns like this in order to take offenders off the road and send out a clear message to others.