THE number of motorists caught driving while under the influence of drink or drugs in North Yorkshire has risen by an “unacceptable” 87 per cent on last year.

North Yorkshire Police said almost 60 motorists had been arrested since this year’s campaign to crack down on drink or drug drivers began on December 1.

On Monday, Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick took to social media and said that figure had continued to rise, with the number of people arrested in the first 11 days up by 87 per cent on the same period last year, with one driver already banned for more than two years.

Mr Madgwick said: “Just one incident of drink or drug driving is unacceptable, to have and 57 in the space of 11 days is shocking.

“Anyone contemplating getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs should think again - not just about themselves getting caught, but think about the lives you destroy.”

In the first nine days of the operation, 41 motorists were arrested, an increase of 70 per cent on the same period last year, which Road Policing Group Traffic Sergeant Paul Cording called “worrying”.

Speaking about the first week of the operation, Sgt Andy Morton said: “It’s extremely disappointing to see that the messages about the dangers of drink and drug driving are ignored by some. North Yorkshire Police are committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting drink and drug drivers and getting them off the road. The number of arrests made so far in the campaign reflect the fact that we are out on the roads and targeting those that choose to flout the law.”

This year’s campaign is based around a video which tells the story of Lorraine Allaway, whose husband Bob was killed by someone two-and-a-half times the legal drink drive limit while he was riding his motorbike to join Lorraine at her sister’s hospital bedside.

In the film she talks about how her life has changed since her husband was killed by a drunk driver, Andrew Crook, 48 from Leeds, who was jailed for four years and eight months.

Mr Madgwick said: “I defy anyone to watch Lorraine Allaway’s story and not be moved by the tragic death of her husband.

“For everyone’s sake, yours, your family’s and every road user’s, please do not drink or drug drive. Our officers will be out in force over the festive season, let’s see our figures go down, not up.”

To view the video, go to northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or the North Yorkshire Police YouTube page.

To report a drink driver, phone 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.