HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has revealed the result of its Christmas and New Year anti-drink and drug driving campaign, which saw an increase in the number of drivers arrested.

Operation Holly, run in conjunction with Thames Valley Police, saw 540 people arrested between December 1 and January 1 in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the Thames Valley.

The campaign ‘Where will you end up tonight?’ featured digital graphics and video, with the hard-hitting theme of a mortuary to reinforce messages around the potentially fatal consequences of drink-driving.

This was supported by enforcement activity by officers.

Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the number of arrests was 215 compared to 195 last year.

The number of people breath tested across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during the campaign was 7,606 compared to 6,918 in 2014, up 688.

There will continue to be further analysis of other data from the campaign, including figures from individual districts.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, acting head of roads policing, said: “We’ve seen a rise in the number of people we have arrested for drink or drug-driving. New legislation and equipment have made detecting drug drivers much easier and this resulted in 30 extra arrests across the whole of the area covered.

“As in previous campaigns, we were greatly assisted by members of the public who passed us vital information and helped us take these drivers off the roads. Drink and drug-driving kills or injures people. Our message is simple – don’t mix drink or drugs with driving, it’s not worth the risk!”

Hampshire Constabulary road safety sergeant Rob Heard said: “This rise in arrests for drink and drug-driving reflects our relentless rigorous attitude to stopping reckless deadly behaviour on our roads.

“Too many motorists continue to believe, foolishly, that it’s acceptable to drive under the influence when the reality is that it’s not worth the risk. Recently improved methods of detecting drug-drivers are beginning to take effect as shown by these figures.”

And he continued: “Always remember the potentially fatal consequences for others travelling as passengers or pedestrians.

“Our commitment to campaigning on this issue remains constant, and we appeal to everyone to make time to take in and respect our important messages on preventing the harm and destruction caused by drink and drug driving.”

Sergeant Heard added: “I would like to take this opportunity to again express the force’s gratitude to the family of Evey Staley, who was killed by a drink driver on the Isle of Wight in 2012. Thank you for supporting the ongoing use of the family’s car from that fatal collision in our exhibitions in town centres during December.”

Anyone who knows someone who drives while taking drugs or is over the legal drink-drive limit should call police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999.

Alternatively, call the independently-run Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.