TWENTY-THREE people were caught drink or drug driving in Basingstoke and Deane as part of an operation to tackle the problem over Christmas.

Hampshire Constabulary has now released figures from Operation Holly, which saw dedicated patrols carried out regularly between December 1, 2015 and January 1, 2016, to deter and detect motorists suspected of putting lives in danger.

A total of 7,606 people were breath tested across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during the campaign, which was an increase on the 6,918 people tested in 2014.

The number of arrests also increased, from 195 in 2014, to 215 in 2015, with 23 of those made in Basingstoke and Deane.

This was down by one from the previous year’s figure of 24.

The actions of the officers on patrol were supported by a campaign video titled Where Will You End Up Tonight?, which carries a hard-hitting theme of a mortuary to emphasise the fatal consequences of drink-driving.

The campaign reinforces the stark message that motorists who drink-drive risk ruining not just their own life, but the lives of others too, such as passengers and pedestrians.

Hampshire Constabulary Road Safety Sergeant Rob Heard said: “The fatal consequences of drink and drug driving must never be forgotten or ignored. All road users can suffer devastating life-changing implications, whether they are drivers, passengers, pedestrians or family members who suffer the horrendous emotional effects from such tragedies.

“More motorists must understand why it’s not worth the risk, and the overall increase in arrests shows that our commitment to campaigning on this issue remains constant and vigorous.”

Report drink or drug drivers on 101 or, if it’s an emergency, dial 999.