POLICE made 35 arrests for drink and drug driving during December in Warrington.

The figures have been revealed following a Cheshire Constabulary operation to target drivers who get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of illicit substances and alcohol.

A total of 27 people were arrested for drink driving while eight suspects were detained for drug driving.

The number of people arrested has dropped when compared to the same time period in 2016.

Throughout December, 148 people were arrested for drink driving in Cheshire, with a further 86 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

Supt Paul Beauchamp, Cheshire police’s taskforce lead said: “Year after year we hear about people who think they are safe to drive because they don’t feel affected by the alcohol or drugs they’ve consumed.

"Despite there being 34 fewer arrests than last year in Cheshire it is still astonishing to see how many people continue to believe it is acceptable.

“Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous; it affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards.

"All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision."

All roads policing officers are equipped with alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Supt Beauchamp added: “I also want to reassure residents that although this operation has concluded, it is an issue that we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year.

"The message is clear, if you drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire, you will be caught.”