THE number of motorists breathalysed in North Yorkshire is among the highest in the country.

Figures released by the Home Office showed the number of people tested by police in North Yorkshire and Humberside were in the top ten counties in the country.

The figures showed that between August 2013 and August 2014, North Yorkshire Police tested 17.7 people per 1,000 residents, while Humberside Police tested 15.6 per 1,000.

Under Home Office regulations, a breath alcohol screening test can be carried out when a motorists is involved in a collision, is suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol, or following the commission of a moving traffic offence.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the figures showed a positive move, with the high number of breath tests carried out as standard when vehicles are pulled over.

Traffic Sergeant Paul Cording, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “We are on patrol around the clock to catch offenders and to respond to information passes to the police by members of the public either directly or through Crimestoppers.

"Where officers have the power to stop motorists they will carry out a breathalyser test matter of routine. This includes anyone who commits a road traffic offence, has a defective vehicle or is involved in a collision. Anyone who is found to be over the drink drive limit can expect to be arrested and put before the courts as soon as possible to face the consequences of their illegal and highly dangerous behaviour."