More than 200 drivers were arrested across the county of Nottinghamshire in only one month as Nottinghamshire Police stepped up its patrols to keep people safe from drink and drug-drivers over the festive holidays.

The force launched its month-long campaign running from 1 December 2021 to 1 January 2022 to ensure drivers faced justice for putting other people's lives at risk by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.

A total of 223 people were arrested, including 171 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A further 52 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs.

It was a slight increase in arrests compared to the same period the previous year, when 198 arrests were made, including 105 for drink-driving and 93 for drug-driving.

The force has supported the national campaign run by the National Police Chief's Council for several years.

A renewed call is now being made to the people of Nottinghamshire to ask them not to get behind the wheel after having a drink and protect themselves and others.

Inspector Jon Scurr, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Throughout December we were actively on the hunt for those deciding to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

"We are always on the lookout for drink and drug-drivers throughout the whole year but know over the festive period there may be more people who disappointingly decide to break the law and jump behind the wheel after indulging in Christmas festivities.

"Officers throughout the month-long focused campaign carried out operations across Nottinghamshire not just in the city but in the county to target drivers who decided to place their own lives and others at risk.

"We put an extra spotlight on drink and drug-driving offences over the Christmas holidays in the hope of making people think twice about their actions.

"But unfortunately, as these figures show hundreds of people clearly have not made the correct choice and are now facing driving bans and fines."

Only a month earlier officers arrested 179 people, of which 136 were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and 43 for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs.

Officers are now reiterating a call for drivers to not only protect themselves but innocent members of the public.

Inspector Scurr added: "Placing other people's lives at risk by getting behind the wheel after having a drink or taken drugs often leads to not only the driver being involved in collisions but places innocent members of the public at risk too.

"We have found that those driving under the influence had directly contributed to innocent people losing their lives on our roads and have seen a shocking increase in fatal and serious collisions this year.

"It is heart-breaking to have to tell families their loved one has died and I would implore anyone thinking about getting behind the wheel after having a drink or taking drugs to think again.

"This campaign may be over but all our officers will never stop their work to keep Nottinghamshire's roads safe all year round.

"Please consider volunteering to be the dedicated driver, where your friends are reassured they will not be driven by a drunken friend. Do not become an emergency service statistic"

Anyone who suspects that someone is driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is asked to try and discourage them from getting behind the wheel.

But if they won't listen people are advised to call 101, or 999 if there is an immediate risk. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if non urgent.