100 drivers over the limit and 11 were on drugs during crackdown

A police campaign to crack down on people driving while under the influence of alcohol saw officers carry out a total of 3,065 tests across the county in December, with 118 people (around four per cent) either failing the test or refusing to provide a specimen.

In Western Division, 1,299 tests were taken – with 52 failing or refusing to take the test.

That equates to four per cent – almost double the 2.3 per cent of drivers who failed or refused the previous year.

Police also carried out drugs tests on 19 Lancashire drivers, and 11 were found to be under the influence of drugs.

Supt Jonathan Puttock said: “Drinking or taking drugs when driving is unacceptable at any time of the year and our efforts to catch those responsible will continue.

“This year we have carried out more targeted activity specifically around hotspot areas to catch those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“A lot of good work is being done by the police and other partner organisations but the fact that we are still continuing to see a number of failed or positive tests is disappointing and shows that some people still do not understand the real consequences of drink or drug driving.

“Just one drink or drug driver on the roads of Lancashire is always one too many.

“As well as the risk of suffering a serious injury or death, there are a number of potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug driving from losing your license and a hefty fine to losing your livelihood along with your family and friends.

“Catching drink or drug drivers is a year-long priority for police in Lancashire and we will continue to crack down on drink and drug driving to help make our roads safer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “The figures released show that Lancashire Police continues to take strong action to stop drink driving especially at Christmas time.

“The targeted approach means that police resources are focused on problem areas.

“Drink driving needlessly puts lives at risk and will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to making Lancashire’s roads as safe as possible all year round but these targeted campaigns make a real difference at the time of year when the dangers of drink driving should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

People who would like to report someone who you suspect of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are asked to contact police on 101.