Force arrested 72 intoxicated drivers last December

Cambridgeshire Police said officers would be carrying out roadside checks during the festive period

Seventy-two people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs in a county in December 2024, police said.

Cambridgeshire Police released the figure after launching a month-long campaign this year, to reduce people committing the offence during the festive period.

The force said officers would be carrying out roadside checks across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough this December.

PC Adrian Boddington, the force's casualty reduction officer, said: "Whatever your plans for Christmas are, include how you are getting home in them.

"Consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance, so there is no temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit.

"I'd also like to remind people that they can help us make our roads safer by reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs."

Safer culture

Forty-three venues in the county have signed up to Cambridgeshire Police's "I'm DES" scheme, which will see participating businesses give free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers.

The initiative, led by Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime and funded by Darryl Preston, Cambridgeshire's police and crime commissioner, aimed to reduce the number of road collisions caused by drink-driving.

People who want to take part in the scheme, which is running throughout December, should let staff in participating venues know they are the designated driver and, if asked, to show their car keys.

Preston said: "I am grateful for the support of licensed premises for their ongoing efforts to promote a safer culture on our roads."