DOZENS of drivers were arrested in Worcestershire during the December crackdown on drink and drug driving over Christmas.

A total of 41 people were caught by officers in South Worcestershire driving over the legal alcohol limit during the campaign, compared to 81 arrested across the whole county for drink or drug driving.

Meanwhile further arrests were made in Worcestershire by the Operational Policing Unit (OPU) and Central Motorways Policing Group (CPMG), adding to the final total.

Superintendent for South Worcestershire Kevin Purcell said: "They are the highest numbers for South Worcestershire since the campaign began.

"It represents an increase in numbers but it also recognises an increase in policing activity.

"It is still frustrating that people of all ages, backgrounds still do not get the message, and everyone of those 41 will have had their lives changed to a lesser or greater degree through a combination of fines, bans from driving and in the most severe cases, some will potentially lose their livelihoods.

"It is important because alcohol is a contributing factor to many road deaths and incidents where life changing injuries occur.

"It is important that we do educate and influence will some people still think it is OK to drink and drive.

"I think the campaign has gone well."

Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, who jointly ran the scheme, said 456 drivers were arrested for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs in this year's campaign.

The legal limit for drivers in Britain is 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres (ml) breath, or 80 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol per 100ml of blood or 107mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine.