MORE than 2,000 motorists were stopped and tested by North Yorkshire Police over the Christmas and New Year period, new figures have shown.

As part of the force’s annual festive road safety campaign, which ran throughout December, officers conducted 2,026 roadside tests to check for drink and drug use, which resulted in 118 arrests throughout the county.

So far, 60 motorists have been charged with driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and have either already lost their licences, or face losing them for a minimum of 12 months.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Targeting drink and drug-drivers was a key aspect of our Christmas Safety Campaign and although it is pleasing that we have managed to make so many arrests, it is also disappointing that people are still willing to take the risk.

“The dangers are well-documented and we will continue to target offenders even though the Christmas campaign is over. The fight against drink and drug driving is a year round focus for the police, every year, and people need to start getting the message that it is illegal, dangerous and totally unacceptable.”

Last year, 114 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, and 3,455 breath tests were carried out.