100 are caught in drink/drive purge

A total of 3,065 tests were conducted throughout the month of December with 118 people, or close to 4%, failing the test or refusing to provide a specimen.

During the 2014 campaign, 5,012 tests were administered with 157 people, or 3%, failing a test or refusing to provide a specimen.

The campaign was the first to include drug-driving tests, with 19 people stopped – 11 of which were drivers found to be under the influence of drugs.

Officers followed an intelligence-led approach leading to an increase in alcohol tests showing a positive, failed or refused reading.

Supt Jonathan Puttock, of Lancashire Police, said: “We have carried out more targeted activity specifically around hotspot areas to catch those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“A lot of good work is being done by the police and other partner organisations but the fact we are still continuing to see a number of failed or positive tests is disappointing and shows some people still do not understand the real consequences of drink or drug driving.

“Just one drink or drug driver on the roads of Lancashire is always one too many.

“As well as the risk of suffering a serious injury or death, there are a number of potentially devastating consequences of drink and drug driving from losing your licence and a hefty fine to losing your livelihood along with your family and friends.

“Catching drink or drug drivers is a year-long priority for police in Lancashire and we will continue to crack down on drink and drug driving to help make our roads safer.”