OPERATION Holly data has shown a 10 per cent increase in arrests for drink and drug-driving across Hampshire and Thames Valley over the festive period.

The joint roads policing unit Christmas campaign saw 601 arrests for drink and drug-driving, with a further 352 charged and 175 released under further investigation.

In Hampshire, 254 drivers were caught with alcohol or drugs in their system, which is a 12.6 per cent increase on last year’s total of 222.

In Thames Valley, 347 drivers were caught at the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is an 8.93 per cent increase on last year’s total of 316.

More than three-quarters of the drivers arrested were male, with the highest offending age group across the two force regions being people aged 21 to 30 – a considerably higher number than in any other age group.

The operation ran from December 1 last year through to January 1 and comprised a combination of high-visibility patrols, covert operations and intelligence-led policing aimed at targeting persistent offenders and drink and drug-drivers.

The public were also encouraged to report anyone they thought was a risk.

Sergeant Rob Heard, of the joint roads policing unit, said: “We’ve seen a rise in the number of people we have arrested for drink or drug-driving.

“New legislation and equipment has made detecting drug-drivers much easier and this resulted in 63 extra arrests.

“Twenty-five per cent of those were impaired by drugs.”

He added: “Our commitment in roads policing is unwavering toward preventing the distress and misery caused by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Such behaviour on our roads has far-reaching effects, not just for the impaired driver but for any innocent road users affected by their destructive decisions.”

Sgt Heard added: “The lives of individuals and their families can be torn apart through a combination of physical, psychological and legal consequences.

“Too many people continue to be complacent about the realities of road deaths and serious injuries.

“That’s why we want everyone to be clear about their responsibilities, and have respect for each other on the road.”

In thanking everyone who has helped with the campaign, Sgt Heard said: “As in previous campaigns, we were greatly assisted by members of the public who passed us vital information and helped us take these drivers off the roads. Drink and drug-driving kills or injures people.

“Our message is simple – don’t mix drink or drugs with driving, it’s not worth the risk.”

•If you know anyone driving after drinking or taking drugs, call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency, call 999.