MORE than 100 drivers have been arrested for drink driving this Christmas, figures released on Thursday revealed.

Officers said 2,400 motorists had been stopped in December, with 109 of those arrested for being over the limit as officers conducted daily patrols across the county.

A campaign, running from December 1 until January 1, is warning drivers to think of the consequences of drink driving over the Christmas period. With New Year celebrations approaching traffic officers will be out in force to clampdown on anyone caught over the limit.

Inspector Chris Skepper said: “We want this festive season to be a happy time for all the county’s residents, but remember don’t drink and drive.

“With party season approaching, officers will breath tests drivers and carry out Field Impairment Tests to check whether they are under the influence of drugs.

“The maximum penalty for drink driving is a six month prison sentence, �5,000 fine and a driving ban of up to 12 months – is it really worth the risks?”

Insp Skepper said as drinking hours would be extended in most pubs and bars and alcohol stays in your system for a considerable time after the last drink and can often be there well into the morning after meaning it still isn’t safe to drive the next day.