DOZENS of drivers face the prospect of being banned from the roads after failing roadside alcohol tests over the Christmas period.

From December 1 until New Year’s Day, a total of 48 drivers either tested positive for being over the alcohol limit or refused to take the test.

Chief Inspector Andy Wilkinson said: “If you drink and drive you risk your own life, the lives of your passengers, the lives of everyone else on the road and the lives of pedestrians.

“For those who are caught by our diligent police officers, they face losing their licence, a hefty fine and, potentially, losing their jobs.

“Our message over the Christmas period has been that it’s not worth it. There are dozens of drivers who did not heed that message but who now know exactly what we meant.”

In the same period in 2015, 26 drivers failed roadside breath tests.

Ch Insp Wilkinson, who chairs Cumbria's Casualty Reduction and Safer Highways (CRASH) group, said: “This Christmas campaign has resulted in twice as many drivers found to be driving whilst drunk.

“This is not to suggest an increase in the volume of individuals risking their lives but a reflection of the accuracy of our intelligence led patrols and responses to diligent and conscientious members of the public who contact the police with concerns about drink-driving.

“Although the Christmas campaign is over, this does not mean that drink driving is not a focus of our officers - entirely the contrary. Cumbria police officers will continue to target drink drivers and respond to calls and information received to ensure the upmost safety of law-abiding drivers and pedestrians.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “There is simply no excuse to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, putting your own life or the life of somebody else at risk, as well as breaking the law.

“I am pleased that the police have caught 48 people, but disappointed that some people clearly have not got the message about drink driving. It is very clear - don’t drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. If you do you are irresponsibly putting lives at risk and you will get caught.”