ARRESTS for drink driving in a Dorset Police Christmas crackdown were at their lowest ever level.

The force has released its statistics from the latest campaign, which ran between December 1 and January 1, which showed fewer breath tests were conducted, and fewer people were arrested and charged.

As in previous years, the Christmas drink drive campaign saw officers breathalysing all drivers involved in collisions, driving committing a ‘moving road traffic offence’ as well as those suspected of driving under the influence.

A total of 1,086 breath tests were carried out by officers between December 1 and January 1, compared to 1,848 during the same time the previous year. Of the 1,086, 68 breath tests were positive.

There were a total of 88 arrests, which is the lowest ever level since the campaign was launched in 2008. In 2013 there were 108 arrests.

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

The figures show a sharp decline compared to previous years and Chief Inspector Debbie Marsden, head of operations at Dorset Police, praised the campaign and thanked members of the public for their help during the festive season.

Chief Insp Marsden said: “It is positive there were 59 fewer breath tests following collisions during the 2014 campaign than the year before – reducing casualties on our roads is a priority.

“I would also like to thank all those members of the public who took the time to call us with details of suspected drink or drug drivers. Your information is invaluable.

“While the total number of breath tests administered during the 2014 campaign is down from the previous year – it is in line with the national trend. 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.”

Dorset Police also targeted known drink-drivers from intelligence or in response to information received from the public, and anyone charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence in the county during the campaign had their name and court appearance details released to the media.

Inspector Matt Butler, from Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “I am disappointed 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.”