ALMOST 100 people were arrested for drink or drug driving in Gloucestershire during an annual police crackdown.

Officers stopped more than 800 vehicles between December 1 and January 1, making 97 arrests, as part of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership’s anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

The numbers are similar to those of the same period last year, when there were 95 arrests made. The year before there were 130.

Of the arrests made this year, 48 people have been charged and are due to appear in court, compared with 41 in 2021.

Some 46 of the arrests involved alcohol, compared to 49 last year, and 38 involved drugs, compared with 33 in 2021.

There were also 13 people arrested for refusing to provide a breath specimen.

Many of the others who were arrested remain under investigation while their blood is analysed.

A few face no further action because they were just over the drink drive limit at the roadside, but blew under the limit when tested at the station.

The campaign was co-ordinated by Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

It aimed to educate drivers of the dangers and penalties they could face by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs, with an emphasis on people out celebrating the festive season or enjoying the World Cup.

Motorists saw more roadside police checks in both urban and rural areas across the county as well as the Special Constabulary conducting a number of proactive operations and roads policing officers making targeted patrols.

Of a total 804 vehicles stopped, officers administered 637 breath tests.

Inspector Rachel Lynch-Warden from the Roads Policing Unit said: “I would like to thank every officer and member of staff who played a part in making this a successful operation and allowing us to take drink and drug drivers off the roads.

“Our work doesn’t end here as unfortunately people commit drink or drug driving offences all year round.

"Officers regularly see the aftermath of collisions where drivers have been under the influence and we’ll continue to target those who think they can break the law.

“We want to do everything possible to help to ensure the roads of Gloucestershire are safe for all.”