THE number of people caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs in Fenland during a Christmas campaign shot up by more than 25 per cent. Forty-three people were arrested in Central Division during the December drink drive crackdown, compared to

THE number of people caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs in Fenland during a Christmas campaign shot up by more than 25 per cent.

Forty-three people were arrested in Central Division during the December drink drive crackdown, compared to 34 arrests in 2008.

Across the county, Cambridgeshire police arrested 123 people compared to 102 the previous year - an increase of more than 20 per cent.

The rise has been put down to police stopping a record number of motorists - 15,000 were stopped during the campaign, with 1,500 stopped on New Year's Eve.

Pc Tony Barrios, Casualty Reduction Officer, said: "As always it is disappointing to see that there are still a number of motorists who think it is acceptable to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

"This year we carried out more stop checks than ever before, using intelligence to target known offenders or areas with a problem. As a result 5,000 more motorists were stopped this year and we have seen a slight increase in the number of arrests."

Fifty-five motorists were caught in Peterborough compared to 35 in 2008 - a rise of 57 per cent.

But the number of drivers caught in Cambridge dropped by 25 per cent. Twenty-five drivers were arrested, compared to 33 in 2008.

A record number of motorists - 15,000 - were stopped during the campaign, with 1,500 stopped on New Year's Eve.

Pc Barrios said: "Those motorists who continue to break the law may think they are safe to drive but they are mistaken. Each time someone gets behind the wheel and drives under the influence they are not only risking their own life but also the lives of others.