TWO men, charged with drink-driving in Cirencester, are among 12 others who have been caught as part of Gloucestershire Police’s annual Christmas crackdown.

Neil Robert Ash, 20, of Aldsworth Close in Fairford, and Philip Montague Bannister, 68, of Clyfurlong Grove in Kemble, were both arrested on Cricklade Street, Cirencester.

The pair will now appear before Cheltenham Magistrates Court on January 23 and January 22, respectively.

Gloucestershire Police has made 16 drink-driving related arrests since launching its campaign on Monday, December 2.

Kevin Roseblade, roads policing inspector, said “In spite of the high profile campaign and a heavy presence on the roads we’re still catching offenders and that’s disappointing.

“The dangers of drink-driving and the possible implications for the driver and other road users have been clear for a long time. There really is no excuse for doing it.

“We’re only a week in but I can assure people we have already carried out roadside checks right across the county in the morning, afternoon and evening. So if you think you can get away with it, you are wrong.”

Cllr Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, said it was “extremely disappointing” that motorists were still failing to listen.