Dorset Police’s annual Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving showed a decrease in the number of people driving under the influence over the holiday season.

During the campaign, Dorset Police recorded 85 arrests, of which 57 were on suspicion of drink driving, 22 on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and six on suspicion of failing to provide a sample for analysis. Some drivers were arrested on suspicion of multiple offences.

The campaign ran from 1 December until 1 January. Compared to the equivalent period the previous year, there were 25 fewer arrests made.

Of the 57 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving related offences, 44 were men and 13 were women. The youngest was 18 years old and the oldest was 70, with the average age of those arrested being 55 years old.

For suspected drug driving related offences, the driver was asked to complete a roadside swab. If this swab was positive, they were arrested and a blood sample was taken at custody for analysis. These bloods are being examined before any potential charges are brought.

Of the 22 people arrested on suspicion of drug driving related offences, 19 were men and three were women. The youngest was 20 years old and the oldest was 70, with the average age of those arrested being 32 years old.

During the campaign, people out celebrating were encouraged to plan how to get home without driving. In addition, more than 30 venues across the county offered free soft drinks to a group’s designated driver.

Superintendent Chris Naughton, of the specialist operations department, said: “Too many people who are otherwise law-abiding citizens, fail to consider the untold devastation that drink and drug driving can cause – those arrested were not necessarily your ‘usual’ suspects.

“Our figures show a 23 per cent reduction in the number of arrests this year versus last year, showing our relentless pursuit of criminality is working and our crime prevention message is getting through to drivers.

“This year, we continued to place a greater emphasis on encouraging those planning a night out to think about how they’re getting home. I would like to thank the venues that took part in our ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for their support in helping to keep their customers and wider road users safe.

“In the past I have been the person knocking on the door to inform relatives that their loved one has been killed as a result of a motorist who thinks it is okay to get behind the wheel while under the influence. This is something that I do not want my team to have to do during the festive period, or any other time of year.

“As in previous years, I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver. Our enforcement efforts will of course continue all year round and intelligence from the public is invaluable in keeping Dorset’s roads safe.”

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please dial 999 immediately with the vehicle information and direction of travel.