POLICE are expressing “serious concern” after Christmas and New Year drink drive convictions in Cumbria rose by eight per cent compared with last year - with the greatest increase in south Cumbria.

Senior officers say 90 people were arrested during the festive drink-drive campaign, which ran for five weeks to January 1. Throughout the same period last year 83 people were arrested across Cumbria.

Police gave almost 2,900 breath tests across the county compared to 3119 last year. The highest number of those arrested was in the south of the county where 38 people tested positive. The lowest number of drink driving arrests was in north Cumbria where 22 people were arrested. In west Cumbria the arrest figure was 30.

An integral part of this year’s campaign was a number of roadside checks that were put in place to remind drivers of the dangers associated with driving the morning after consuming alcohol the night before.

Senior officers have expressed their disappointment over the numbers found to be drink driving and warn that those who continue to break the law will be caught and prosecuted.

Acting chief inspector Craig Lory said: “It is of great concern that despite extensive police warnings and safety messages put out during the Christmas period, a significant number of people chose to ignore our advice and put lives at risk on our roads.”