Nearly 65 arrests in Hampshire police drink-drive crackdown

File photo of Hampshire traffic police in their Christmas drink drive campaign stopping drivers as they left Portsmouth at the entrance to Unicorn Gate in the city in December 2015. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (151954-20)

Hampshire police breathalysed 495 drivers at the roadside during Operation Holly – with 95 per cent being clear. But 23 people were arrested after providing a positive breath test.

Of those caught, 30 per cent were between 35 and 49. And 78 drug tests were carried out.

This saw 41 people being arrested, with 42 per cent of those being between 25 and 34.

Sgt Scott Kerr said: ‘It is disappointing that some people still drive while impaired through drink or drugs.

‘Such behaviour has far-reaching effects, not just for the impaired driver but all for other innocent road users impacted by their destructive decisions.

‘We are now far more intelligence-led in our targeting of those driving while under the influence, and we have worked closely with partners from other organisations to help remind and educate people of the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.

‘Our message is simple, do not mix drink or drugs with driving. It's not worth the risk.’

Roads policing officers ran eight workshops at service stations, supermarkets and businesses to get across the impact of danger driving.