NORTH YORKSHIRE Police’s annual effort to put a stop to festive drink and drug drivers has resulted in almost 100 arrests.

Since the Christmas crackdown began on December 1, officers have arrested 99 motorists on suspicion of getting behind the wheel while impaired by drink or drugs. Police said there had been no fatalities or serious injuries as a result of drink or drug driving since the beginning of the operation.

However, a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while over the limit after clipping a pedestrian in Northallerton with his vehicle.

The man was arrested after the alleged incident in Elder Road, at about 8.30pm on Boxing Day.

A man in his 20s was also arrested when officers followed his Fiat Punto into the Humberside area after he was seen to drive off soon after being ejected from the Market Tavern, in Micklegate, Selby.

The vehicle eventually collided with a garden wall and the driver is currently in police custody in Humberside on suspicion of drink driving.

Officers have so far conducted 3,204 breath tests.

Sgt Pete Stringer, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “It is concerning that we have made so many arrests since December 1 and it appears that some people just aren’t getting the message. Between now and the new year, officers will be out in force on our roads and if you drink or take drugs and drive we will catch you and you face losing your licence.

“People need to understand that drink driving is simply not acceptable and the police will keep making arrests for as long as motorists keep putting lives at risk through drink or drug driving.”

“I urge the public to keep reporting people suspected of driving while unfit to the police and to encourage their friends and family not to drive if they have a had a drink or taken drugs.”

To report a drink or drug driver, phone police on 101, select option one and pass information to staff manning the force control room.

If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.