FEWER drink drivers in Huntingdonshire were arrested this Christmas compared to last as police stop nearly 16,000 motorists.

Officers arrested 28 motorists in Huntingdonshire and Fenland during this year’s Christmas drink drive campaign in December. Last year 37 drivers were caught.

PC Steve Gedny, casualty reduction officer, said: “While it’s encouraging to see fewer drivers arrested than last year, sadly any arrest is one too many.

“It appears our message is getting through, but it is always disappointing to see that there are still a number of motorists who think it is acceptable to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“This year we carried out more stop checks than ever before and 1,143 breath tests were carried out in the county.

“Not only were drivers being stopped as part of our Christmas drink drive campaign but also during routine daily patrols and at incidents.

“This work was not just about enforcement but reminding motorists that officers are on the roads 24/7 as a deterrent to those contemplating driving under the influence.

“Although the campaign is over, our work will continue as we strive to make the roads safer and I would ask drivers to think about the potentially devastating consequences of drink driving, such as serious injury or even death.”