TEN people were arrested for drink driving on Knutsford roads during the World Cup tournament.

Figures compiled as part of the Cheshire Police’s drink drive campaign have shown a 21percent increase in the number of drink drive arrests this year compared to 2013.

Throughout June, a total of 136 people were arrested for drink driving in Cheshire, compared to 112 arrests in 2013, with Knutsford having the second highest number of arrests in the Eastern Cheshire area.

This year’s campaign coincided with the Brazilian World Cup, and officers used a much more targeted approach when conducting breath tests.

Inspector Richard Hill, from the Roads Policing Team, said: “During previous sporting events we have experienced an increase in the number of drink drivers. To target this, many of the breath tests we conducted were taken before or after specific football matches, in addition to the morning after games.

“Whilst I am disappointed that the number of drink driver arrests has increased, I also believe that the force is sending out a clear message to road users that drink driving will not be tolerated.”

In total, the force conducted 1445 breath tests throughout June, with the majority of the tests being conducted between midnight and 4am. In addition to the 136 people arrested for drink driving, three people were arrested for drug driving.

Assistant Chief Constable Guy Hindle said: “It is disappointing to see that some people still think that it is safe to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol, despite repeated warnings about the dangers.

“Our officers are having to deal with the consequences of road traffic collisions caused by alcohol on a daily basis.

“Although the campaign has now finished, drink driving is a 365 days a year issue for Cheshire Police and officers will continue to target drink and drug driving throughout the year.”