ALMOST 1,000 vehicles were stopped as part of Operation Drink – the campaign to cut down on drink-driving during the festive period – with 54 arrested by the roadside, five after a collision.

The month-long operation in December also saw reports of 445 collisions and 356 breath tests carried out.

Hotspot areas have been targeted by police during the month, based on previous intelligence and information from the public about where they were most likely to see drink or drug-drivers.

Areas were covered where people were most likely to risk drinking and driving, such as certain pubs, clubs or venues with large car parks.

A total of 975 vehicles were stopped and their drivers breath tested during the campaign, including a PCSO who failed the breath test but passed blood tests at the station.

Nine drivers were arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs while driving, and 13 of those arrested were under the age of 25.

The numbers were significantly down from two years ago. During the 2012 campaign 2,579 breath tests were carried out and 85 drivers arrested after testing positive, refusing to give a test or failing to provide a test.

Head of Roads Policing Operations and Tri-Force Specialist Operations, Inspector Steve Cox said resources had been focused this year on specific areas, which meant comparisons with previous years would be difficult to draw.

“We have taken a different approach this year which has been based on where we believe drivers are taking risks,” he said.

“As a result it would be difficult to make comparisons with previous years’ results but I am confident that we made best use of our resources by using this intelligence led approach.

“The Christmas crackdown has a positive impact taking 54 drivers off our roads who were potentially putting others at risk.

“The best advice we can give to all drivers is to not drink or do drugs at all, while or before driving. The penalties are significant and if the worst happened and as a result of drink or drug-driving someone died, the driver would be facing a prison sentence. It is just not worth the risk.

“Drivers should not be complacent throughout 2015 as we have teams targeting those drivers who put themselves and others at risk. We also encourage the public to continue to assist us by reporting drivers on the drink or drug hotline via 101.

“I would like to thank the public for their continued vigilance, we will always try to respond to information about irresponsible drivers.”

Anyone wishing to report someone for a driving offence, should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.