MERSEYSIDE Police's Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign carried out a total of 8,260 breath tests and arrested 208 people.

Figures released today reveal that during the month-long campaign there was a rise in road accidents with 411 incidents in 2013 compared to 462 this year - an increase of 12%.

Out of the 857 drivers breath tested following a crash, 53 drivers failed.

Sergeant Paul Mountford, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am really encouraged to see that more than 97% of people are driving responsibly.

"However, it is disappointing that we have seen a slight increase in motorists involved in road traffic collisions either drug driving or over the drink-drive limit.

"While they represent a small minority of drivers, I cannot stress enough the danger that these people present, not just to themselves, but to other road users too.

“We are committed to tackling drink and drug driving throughout the year, not just during the Christmas period.

"Any driver involved in a road traffic collision, or who commits a traffic offence, can expect to be breathalysed at any time in the year, and may be required to perform an impairment test.”

During the month-long campaign 67 impairment tests were conducted and eight people arrested on drug driving offences. This shows a slight decrease compared to last year.

“Again, it’s encouraging that people have listened to our messages over the Christmas period." added Sgt Mountford.

"However, the overall figures for 2014 does indicate a slight increase in drug driving." 

Police made 118 arrests in 2014, compared to 105 in 2013. Around 70% of those held were drivers who had taken cannabis.

“Our message to drivers is simple, just don’t drink or take drugs and then drive as the consequences can be severe,” said Sgt Mountford.