A DRINK and drug-driving campaign in Hampshire and the Thames Valley has seen a big rise in the number of arrests.

In total, 3,327 drivers were tested during the month-long summer campaign, which ran from June 14 to July 15.

Police say 394 drivers failed alcohol breath tests, up 25 on the previous year, while 151 motorists were arrested for drug driving offences, a rise of 37 per cent.

Figures show that 12.2per cent of drivers who took the breath test failed, while 48.1 per cent failed the drug test.

Hampshire’s road safety sergeant Rob Heard, said: “We made it clear to drivers that we would be stepping up our enforcement for drink and drug-driving and warn them against the dangers of driving under the influence.

“Sadly, there are still a significant number of people that think it’s acceptable to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs, risking their own life and other innocent people’s lives.”

“I do not believe we have more drug drivers on the road, but simply the equipment has allowed us to detect them more easily.

“Over the last two years we have started using drug testing equipment more and more, with all roads policing officers carrying the drug analysers which they can use when they have a suspicion someone maybe driving under the influence of a drug. These people caught will now face the consequences. of their thoughtless, selfish actions.”