MORE than 70 people have been charged so far as a result of Surrey Police’s December campaign to reduce drink and drug driving offences.

Those charged during month-long Operation Dragonfly, were immediately named and shamed on social media in a bid to raise awareness and highlight the dangers associated with getting behind the wheel when under the influence of drink or drugs.

The operation resulted in 98 positive breath tests and a 37.5 per cent positive rate of DrugWipe tests to detect whether cannabis or cocaine is in a person’s system within 10 minutes.

Surrey roads policing unit inspector Alan Nicholls said: “Operation Dragonfly was a great success and I hope the public are getting the message that driving while under the influence is simply reckless and puts your life and the lives of others at risk.

“Overall the number of positive roadside breath tests has decreased year on year which is evidence that people are taking on board just how dangerous drink or drug driving can be.

“If you’re tempted to drink or take drugs and drive – don’t. Just think of the consequences, you could lose your job, your home, or your life.

“If you do want to have a drink then arrange a taxi, arrange a lift or have a designated driver. We are also still seeing people over the limit the morning after a night out, so leave enough time before driving again the next day.

“It is alarming that someone will decide to drive when they have taken any form of drug that will impair their judgement and reactions. This can have disastrous consequences.

“It is a clear reminder that it is not only drink driving that is a problem on our roads, but drug users too.

“The DrugWipe kit means there is no hiding place for anyone who has an illegal level of drugs in their system as officers can detect cocaine or cannabis use within minutes.”

Hampshire Police arrested a total of 540 people for drink and/or drug-driving during the Christmas campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1.

The campaign, “Where will you end up tonight?”, featured digital graphics and video, with the hard-hitting theme of a mortuary to reinforce messages around the potentially fatal consequences of drink-driving.

This was supported by enforcement activity by officers. Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, the number of arrests was 215 (195 last year).

The number of people breath tested across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight during the campaign was 7,606 – in 2014 it was 6,918.

There will continue to be further analysis of other data from the campaign, including figures from individual districts.

Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, acting head of roads policing, said: “We’ve seen a rise in the number of people we have arrested for drink or drug-driving. New legislation and equipment have made detecting drug drivers much easier and this resulted in 30 extra arrests.

“As in previous campaigns, we were greatly assisted by members of the public who passed us vital information and helped us take these drivers off the roads.

“Drink and drug-driving kills or injures people. Our message is simple – don’t mix drink or drugs with driving – it’s not worth the risk.”

Hampshire Police Sergeant Rob Heard added: “This rise in arrests for drink and drug-driving reflects our relentless rigorous attitude to stopping reckless deadly behaviour on our roads.

“Too many motorists continue to believe foolishly that it’s acceptable to drive under the influence when the reality is that it’s not worth the risk.

“Recently improved methods of detecting drug-drivers are beginning to take effect as shown by these figures.

“Always remember the potentially fatal consequences for others travelling as passengers or pedestrians.

“Our commitment to campaigning on this issue remains constant, and we appeal to everyone to make time to take in and respect our important messages on preventing the harm and destruction caused by drink and drug driving.

“I would like to take this opportunity to again express the force’s gratitude to the family of Evey Staley, who was killed by a drink driver on the Isle of Wight in 2012.

“Thank you for supporting the ongoing use of the family’s car from that fatal collision in our exhibitions in town centres during December.”

You can read and watch more about Evey’s story at www.hampshire.police.uk – search for “is-it-worth-the-risk”

If you know someone who drinks over the limit or takes drugs and drives, call police on 101 or, if it’s an emergency, dial 999.

If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, call the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.