More than 60 drivers have been arrested on suspicion of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs so far this month.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit – launched in October 2023 – is on the county’s roads day and night looking for drivers who are endangering lives by driving whilst impaired.

Since 1 December 2023, the Constabulary has so far arrested 63 drivers on suspicion of being over the limit for drink or drugs on our roads.

Of that number, 30 were arrested on suspicion of being over the limit for alcohol and 33 on suspicion of being over the limit for drugs.

Whilst many of those arrested have been released whilst police continue with their investigations, some have already been charged.

This includes:

Gordon Stewart, 38, of no fixed address was stopped near Orton in the early hours of 9 December and is accused of being more than twice over the limit for alcohol. He has been charged with drink driving and is due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on 23 January 2024.

Ashley McCourt, 27, of Maryport failed a breathalyser in the Mayport area in the early hours of 9 December 2023. He has been charged with drink driving and is due to appear at Workington Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2024.

Daniel Addison, 31, of Burneside was stopped on 10 December in the Kendal area and arrested after failing a breathalyser test. He has been charged with drink driving and is due to attend Barrow Magistrates’ Court on 3 January 2024.

Cumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit Inspector Jack Stabler said: “Our officers are on the roads constantly, seeking to prevent a tragedy this Christmas by getting to drink and drug drivers before they cause carnage for themselves and other innocent road users.

“There is no excuse for drink and drug driving and the strong penalties for those caught reflect that.

“A drink-drive or drug-drive conviction could easily result in the loss of your license and potentially the loss of your employment.

“This Christmas, lives will be lost on the country’s roads as a result of drink and drug driving. Before you go out this Christmas and New Year, make sure you plan ahead so you are not tempted to get behind the wheel.”

So far this December, officers have stopped 594 vehicles as part of the road safety operation aimed at helping make our roads safer this Christmas.

Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mike Johnson, said: “There is never an excuse for driving under the influence – not only do you place your own life at risk, you risk the lives of innocent passengers, pedestrians and other drivers.

“This is just a snapshot of what the Road’s Policing Unit achieve year-round to keep our roads as safe as possible but it is a community effort.

If you are out drinking or using illegal drugs, make sure you have a designated driver or a safe way home that doesn’t involve getting behind the wheel of a car.

“The message is clear: if you are caught drink or drug driving you will face the consequences and this could affect your livelihood – it’s simply not worth it.

“Please enjoy the festive period sensibly and if you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please call 999.”