DOZENS of drivers from the area face driving bans and large fines for drink and drug driving offences following a county-wide Cheshire Police operation.

The Macclesfield policing area, which includes Wilmslow and Knutsford, saw the highest number of arrests (32) for drink driving of the county’s eight policing areas.

Macclesfield also saw the second highest number of arrests (16) for drug driving.

The drink driving figure was up from 28 in the previous year, while the drug driving total saw a major fall from 43.

Throughout December a total of 148 people were arrested for drink driving, with a further 86 arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

Supt Paul Beauchamp said: “Year after year we hear about people who think they are safe to drive because they don’t ‘feel’ affected by the alcohol or drugs they’ve consumed.

“Despite there being 34 fewer arrests than last year it is still astonishing to see how many people continue to believe it is acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous.

“It affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed and distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards. All of this means you are more likely to be involved in a collision.

“All those arrested as part of this operation will now have to face the consequences of their actions, which will have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives.”

Roads policing officers across Cheshire are equipped with alcohol testing kits and drugs wipes, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, while behind the wheel.

Supt Beauchamp added: “The consequences of drink and drug driving can be devastating, not only for the driver of the vehicle but their families and innocent members of the public.

“We are committed to reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related deaths on our roads, and my officers will use all of the tools available to them to help us achieve our goal.

“I also want to reassure residents that although this operation has concluded it is an issue we continue to target seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“If you drive while under the influence of drink or drugs in Cheshire you will be caught.”