Wiltshire police have issued a warning to ‘reckless’ drink and drug drivers after making more than 40 in two weeks.

The police arrested 22 people on suspicion of drink driving and 21 people on suspicion of drug driving in the fortnight ending on Valentine’s Day.

During the same period, they handed out 56 traffic offence reports, two fixed penalty notices, three court summons and 106 words of advice.

"It is never acceptable to drive whilst impaired by alcohol or drugs. Our officers are trained to spot the signs and we will always take action when drivers are stopped over the limit,” said Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith.

More than 50 per cent of those arrested were aged between 18 and 30, which ACC Smith said was disproportionately high when compared to the population of the county.

Wiltshire police will increase proactive checks alongside officers' regular duties across the county, they said in a statement.

Jerry Herbert, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "Being convicted of drink or drug driving has a severely detrimental impact on your life, not to mention the lives you put at risk when you take to the road.

"You could be facing losing your licence or even going to prison.

"Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the fatal four reasons that increase the chances of a road traffic collision on the roads of Wiltshire ending in serious injury or worse, a fatality.

"We know more people are drinking at home and there may be a false sense of security if you are not driving home from a pub or a restaurant after a drink, but alcohol and drugs stay in the system for longer than you think and it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to drive.

"Our message has always been very clear, there is never an excuse to drive whilst over the limit."

If you know someone who regularly drink or drug drives, you can call 101. If you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then call 999.