MORE than 100 motorists were arrested across Dorset last month after police intensified action against drink and drug driving during a national crackdown.

Dorset Police confirmed that 118 people were arrested on suspicion of driving while over the legal limit for alcohol or drugs during December.

Of those, 66 arrests were for drink driving and 52 for drug driving.

Officers said the figures underline the ongoing risk posed by impaired drivers, particularly during the busy festive period.

Around 79% of those arrested were men, with ages ranging from 17 to 69.

Police also revealed they received 316 reports from members of the public in December about suspected drink or drug drivers.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Limit, with officers from the Roads Policing Team carrying out stop-check sites, intelligence-led patrols and acting on information from the public.

Police said more than three quarters of arrests resulted from proactive policing rather than routine stops.

Inspector Joe Wheable from Dorset Police’s Roads Policing Team said the results were worrying but showed officers were taking firm action.

He added: “Unfortunately, these figures show that people are still intent on drink or drug driving and putting themselves and other road users at risk.

“While the increase in numbers is concerning, I want to make it very clear that we are relentless and taking a robust approach to anyone caught driving while under the influence.

“This activity is not exclusive to December and will continue all year round.”

He added that officers are trained and equipped to identify impaired drivers and that public reports play a vital role.

“Every call matters and allows us to take action to protect all road users across Dorset,” he said.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised the operation, saying it sent a strong message that dangerous driving would not be tolerated.

“Tackling drug driving remains a priority,” he said, adding that enforcement and tougher penalties were key to changing behaviour and preventing lives from being lost.

Police are urging anyone who suspects a driver is under the influence of drink or drugs to call 999, providing details of the vehicle, registration and direction of travel.