A summer crackdown on drink and drug drivers resulted in over 150 arrests in Herts and Beds in June.

Herts Police officers arrested 77 drivers for the offence, equating to 14 per cent of all drivers tested. This was a fall on the previous year’s figures of 18 per cent.

In Beds, 81 people were arrested under the influence – also 14 per cent of all tested - up from 67 on the same period last year.

Offenders face a minimum 12-month driving ban, as well as a fine and possibly imprisonment, while those found guilty of causing death by careless driving will be imprisoned for a minimum of 14 years.

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Road Policing Unit praised the fall in Herts, but added: “It is still disappointing that a number of drivers continue to attempt to get away with drinking or taking drugs before getting behind the wheel.

“I would remind drivers of the consequences – you could lose your job, your friends, your freedom and, if involved in a collision, you could seriously injure or kill yourself, somebody you care about or somebody else’s loved one.

“Never be tempted to take the chance that you’re under the legal limit. Drink or drug driving will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire.”