THE number of drivers arrested during Dorset Police’s annual summer drink and drug-driving campaign is up on last year.

In a month-long campaign, which ran throughout June, 88 people were arrested, an increase on the 81 arrested during last year’s campaign. Final figures also showed that 75 of the total amount were men and 13 were women.

Chief Inspector Bob Nichols, Head of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit said: “It’s really disappointing to see that arrests have increased after the reduction we had seen in previous years.”

He added: “Now that the summer campaign has come to an end, it doesn’t mean we will stop pursuing irresponsible drivers on our roads.

“We will continue to target drink drivers and I urge the public to continue to support us with this.”

“All of the drivers arrested, if convicted, face a 12 month driving ban.

“That’s in addition to a fine of up to £5,000, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.”

Any member of the public with information about regular drink or drug drivers should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 222222 or call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 1111.