POLICE have hailed a campaign to cut down on drink driving in Wiltshire a success.

During June and July, Wiltshire Police supported a national campaign to report drink or drug drivers.

Out of 334 vehicles police stopped during the campaign, 14.6 per cent of drivers gave a positive breath test or failed to provide one.

New drug swipe equipment was used to administer roadside drugs tests to 16 of those stopped, of that number nine proved positive or failed to take the test.

The campaign was organised to coincide with the Euro 2016 championships.

Sergeant Gavin Brewster of the Wiltshire Police Roads Safety Unit, said: “Using intelligence received has helped us keep more drink and drug drivers off our roads this summer, and we are not letting up.

“Between June 6 and July 10 we administered 334 roadside breath tests and arrested 49 drivers who proved positive or failed to provide a breath test.”

A total of 32 positive results were from people over the age of 25, while 17 were under 25.

Out of those stopped, 13 were due to a road traffic collision.

Sergeant Brewster continued: “The results should show drivers that if drivers run the gauntlet of driving under the influence of drink or drugs they will be caught.

“Wiltshire Police would also like to thank members of the public for calling in and working with us to help get these drink and drug drivers off of the road.”

Any driver who risks peoples’ lives by drink or drug driving can receive a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12 month driving ban and a criminal record.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Angus Macpherson, applauded the police for carrying out its summer campaign.

He said: “The vast majority of motorists are well aware of the serious risks of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“But it is sad to note that a tiny minority seem to be oblivious of the harm they can cause to other road users, their passengers and themselves.

“People must understand that, if they flout the law in this irresponsible manner, they will face the prospect of arrest, prosecution, unwelcome publicity and more besides. It really is not worth taking that risk.”

Anyone who has concerns about someone they believe may be drink or drug driving is advised to call Wiltshire Police on 101, and select option four for the drink drive hotline, giving as many details as possible such as the vehicle details and direction of travel.

People should call 999 in an emergency where a driver is posing an imminent danger.