Numbers of people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are down on last year, according to figures from Hertfordshire Constabulary.

In December, 87 people in Hertfordshire were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving, compared to 127 in the same period last year.

Some 1,494 motorists were breathalysed by road policing officers as part of a joint Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council campaign to tackle drink and drug driving over Christmas.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd said: “While the figures show the vast majority of motorists do the sensible thing and don’t drink drive, there is a minority that do drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel of a car. Not only are they put their own lives and safety in danger but also that of other law-abiding drivers and pedestrians too.

“This joint police and county council campaign shows how local authorities can work together to help protect Hertfordshire residents.”

The launch of the campaign coincided the creation of a helpline, 01707 354111, which members of the public can use to report regular drink drivers.