More than 250 arrested for drink or drug driving

More than 250 people were arrested in West Yorkshire in December on suspicion of driving over the alcohol limit or having used drugs.

West Yorkshire Police said 186 people were arrested for suspected drink driving, and 93 for suspected drug driving, totalling 279 arrests.

One motorist was banned from driving for three years, and another fined £673.

Ch Insp James Farrar said while there had been a 17% reduction from the previous year's 336 arrests, driving under the influence "clearly remains an issue".

He said: "There is no excuse for drink or drug driving, and we will continue to stop motorists where we have reason to do so."

On 6 December seven drug driving arrests were made, the highest of any day in the month, while 8 and 22 December saw drink driving arrests peak at 13 on each day.

Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said eliminating "irresponsible" drink and drug driving plays a "significant role" in ending road deaths and serious injuries.

"Hopefully, these driving bans and fines will give them cause to re-evaluate their behaviour and consider the safety of other roads users," she said.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Limit, a national drive to reduce deaths and injuries on the roads in December, when drink or drug driving is more likely to be involved in collisions.

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