Police in North Yorkshire crack down on drink and drug driving

That is the same amount as during the whole of last year's December-long campaign - and this year's still has over a week to go.

Of those arrests, 19 have been after accidents and a quarter were over last weekend alone.

So far, 52 of the arrests have been drug-related. On average, those arrested on suspicion of drink driving have provided a reading of nearly twice the legal limit, 68mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath and five drivers have provided readings of over 100mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – the limit being 35mg.

The highest reading so far was a 64 year-old man from Bradford who was almost four times over the limit with 136mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. He is due at court at the end of the month.

Two people have been arrested three times, and a further two people have been arrested twice so far during the campaign, on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Please be reassured our specialist road traffic officers will be out across the county 24/7 looking out for the tell-tale signs of drink and drug driving to help keep you and your loved ones safe over the festive period.

"Anyone who gets behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs is not only putting themselves at risk, but also innocent people going about their daily lives.

"Don’t start the New Year without a licence. But more importantly, don’t be the reason that a family receives the devastating news that they’ve lost a loved one this Christmas at the hands of a drunk or drug driver."