A week-long initiative, carried out last month by Wiltshire Police to tackle drink and drug driving, resulted in the arrest of 43 drivers.
The focus was part of a national campaign, led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) between 23-29 August.
In total, 13 drivers were arrested for drug driving offences and 30 for drink driving.
Wiltshire Police says the arrests were the result of proactive stop checks by officers, reports from members of the public and collisions.
It adds that the operation has highlighted drink driving ‘as a particular concern’.
Sgt Will Ayre, from the county’s Road Policing Team, said: “During this summer’s campaign there has been a notable difference in offending with a much higher proportion of drivers arrested and investigated for drink driving offences compared with previous campaigns.
“I believe this is due to the relaxation in Covid restrictions, night time economy reopening and previous positive campaigns targeting drug drivers and habitual drug users meaning they are already disqualified from driving.
“Of the collisions where drivers were found to be either drink or drug driving, three people suffered serious injuries.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers of drink and drug driving – just because the NPCC campaign is over it does not mean that officers will not be actively targeting these offences and I would urge the public to call in if they suspect a drink or drug driver.”
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