The number of people arrested for drink or drug driving over the Christmas period in Cambridgeshire has increased, new figures show.

The number of people arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol last month was 54, compared with 47 the previous year.

Cambridgeshire Police also said the number of motorists arrested on suspicion of driving with excess drugs went up from 24 in December 2024 to 33 in December 2025.

The number of motorists arrested on suspicion of failing to provide a sample remained at 12.

There were more drink and drug drive arrests over December than the previous year

placeholder image — There were more drink and drug drive arrests over December than the previous year

Every year, the police hold a campaign over the festive period to stop people getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.

A number of pubs and other venues across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire also joined in with the campaign, signing up to support Cambridgeshire Police’s ‘I’m DES’ scheme, where participating venues gave free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers.

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “There is never an excuse for drink driving. As drivers, it is important to remember that we all have a shared responsibility to keep road users safe and prevent more families from unnecessary tragedies.”

The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

It's an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and some legally prescribed drugs

Cambridgeshire Police run a dedicated hotline to report drink driving. The hotline - 0800 032 0845 - is available 24/7.