CUMBRIA Police have vowed to clamp down on drink and drug drivers this Christmas.

Officers will be scouring the roads in Cumbria in the lead-up to the Christmas party season and testing and arresting drivers who put lives at risk behind the wheel.

More than 1,800 drivers were stopped last year with more than 1,300 tested for drink and/or drug driving.

A total of 130 arrests were made as a result – and officers are expecting a similar picture in 2024.

Inspector Jack Stabler of Cumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “As much as I’d like to believe drivers will remember the action taken last December and modify their behaviour, our officers will head onto the roads knowing they will catch many dozens of drivers driving whilst intoxicated in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.

“Such behaviour is inexcusable.

“The reality is that those drivers who are caught under the influence of drink or drugs and arrested are the lucky ones. We will take them off the roads before they kill or seriously injure themselves or an innocent person.”

During the 2024 December road safety operation, officers caught more drug drivers than drink drivers.

Anyone caught drug driving faces a minimum one year driving ban and could be imprisoned for up to six months.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “This is the time of year where many of us will be out celebrating with friends, family and colleagues and looking back over the last year.

“These celebrations will include a drink for many of us. However, it is imperative that if you are drinking, that you have a designated driver or a safe way home. Do not drink and drive.

“If you are caught drink driving, you will face the consequences.

“If you are caught driving under the influence of illegal drugs, the penalty could be even more severe.

"Illegal substances stay in your system for far longer than alcohol does, so even if you are pulled over days later and tested, it will show up on a roadside drugs test and you will potentially face prosecution.

"What’s worse, if driving whilst impaired, through drink or drugs, you could end up harming yourself, your friends, families and other road users. No one would want this.

“I would urge everyone to enjoy the festivities but to drive safe, drive legally and do not drive drunk or under the influence of drugs.”