THE number of people arrested on suspicion of drink-driving during North Yorkshire’s annual crackdown is continuing to grow.

Officers enforcing the campaign have warned that it is only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured by an over-the-limit driver.

They arrested 23 people on suspicion of drink or drug-driving over the weekend, taking the total number of arrests to 67 since the campaign began on December 1.

Of those 37 have been charged with drink driving offences and many face losing their licences before Christmas.

Officers have now breathalysed 2,380 people as they patrol the roads.

Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer said: “It seems that quite a number of people thought they could get away with drink or drug driving over the weekend.

“To arrest 23 people over the course of one weekend is very concerning, but thankfully we are catching people before they cause some serious damage to themselves or another road user.

“It is only a matter of time before a drink or drug driver kills or seriously injures someone. I am urging people to stop taking the risk before it is too late and lives are unnecessarily ruined.”

Despite the high number of arrests, officers say they have been encouraged by the support of the public who are willing to help them keep drink drivers off the road by calling in with information about people who they suspect of getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

*To report someone you suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs contact police on 101, select option one and pass information to the force control room.