Police arrest 38 drivers after drink and drug tests

Police officers undertook checks in Bridge Street, Northampton, on Friday

A total of 38 motorists have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving as part of a festive clampdown, police said.

Northamptonshire Police has carried out checks across the county for its month-long Christmas campaign.

Officers stopped drivers in Northampton on Friday to take voluntary breath samples and carry out roadside vehicle checks.

The force said since the scheme started on 1 December, 26 suspected drink-drivers and 12 suspected drug-drivers had been arrested.

Sgt Perry Cave, of Northamptonshire Police's Roads Policing Team, said some motorists had been caught driving while under the influence as early as 10am.

The legal alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath

Speaking to the BBC during checks in Bridge Street and Cattle Market Road, he warned motorists to take extra care when they decided to drive after a heavy night out.

"I think a lot of people are not aware that they may be under the influence because they feel fine," Sgt Cave said.

But the officer said the majority of people had welcomed being stopped and checked.

"We were interacting with a lot of members of the public. I think people like seeing us out and about," he added.

The action came after the force announced it would name drivers charged with drink-driving over the festive period on its website and social media pages.

As of Friday, at least 38 suspected drink or drug-drivers had been named on Northamptonshire Police's website in December.