MORE drink drivers will be facing the consequences of their actions after a drink and drug drive campaign in Dorset.

A total of 1,086 breath tests were carried out by police officers during the Christmas campaign, which ran between December 1, 2014 and January 1, 2015, compared with 1,848 during the same time the previous year.

Officers breathalysed all drivers involved in collisions, stopped while committing a moving road traffic offence, and anyone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “This campaign saw officers targeting known suspected drink drivers following information handed to us by the public. I am disappointed that there are still some motorists in Dorset who clearly think they are above the law and are willing to risk getting behind the wheel or on their bike after drinking. There are many consequences of drink-driving. You risk being caught by the police, appearing in court and losing your licence.

“You risk being involved in a collision which could result in serious or even fatal injuries. You also put innocent lives at risk.”

Dorset Police recorded a total of 68 positive breath tests – six per cent of all those breathalysed.

In total, 371 breath tests were carried out following collisions. Of these, 20 were positive or the individual refused or failed to provide a sample.

In 2013, 430 breath tests were carried out following collisions.

A total of 88 people were arrested during the campaign.

In all, 35 people aged between 19 and 76 were charged during the campaign. Of these 29 were men and six were women.

If someone is caught drink driving, they will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Chief Inspector Debbie Marsden, head of operations at Dorset Police, added: “It is positive that there were 59 fewer accidents during the 2014 campaign than the year before – reducing casualties on our roads is a force priority.”

She said: “Dorset Police is committed to tackling drink and drug driving and our officers will be out targeting those people who continue to flout the law throughout the whole of 2015.”