“I hope this acts as a wake-up call and worries the public, because it worries us” – that’s the message from our Head of Roads Policing after more than 300 people were arrested during our Christmas anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

The campaign ran during the month of December and saw 313 people arrested – 140 on suspicion of drink driving, 139 on suspicion of drug driving, and 34 for failing to provide a specimen.

The total number of arrests is more than double the 148 from the same time in 2017.

Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing for Essex Police, said: “This is an unprecedented number of arrests for a drink and drug driving campaign period, let alone any other month.

“To have, on average, 10 people a day arrested for drink or drug driving related offences is frightening enough but I actually think that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Read more from Essex Police (UK, January 2019)

Essex Police "Did you have one too many with your turkey sandwiches yesterday?

Remember you could still be over the limit this morning.

This Christmas #DriveSafeDriveSober because we don't want you to find out #howitfeels.

You can report a drink o… pic.twitter.com/dw5JsWMDpZ"

— Total Essex (@TotalEssex) December 27, 2018

Could you live with yourself?

This is #howitfeels to deal with the consequences of drink or drug driving.

This Christmas #DriveSafeDriveSober.

Report a drink or drug driver on 101 or 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/hVVj3aHH3y

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) December 29, 2018

Sadly, our officers witness horrific effects of drink or drug driving.

We don’t want you to know #howitfeels so this Christmas #DriveSafeDriveSober.

Report a drink or drug driver on 101 or 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/zLz7uOrZaZ

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) December 28, 2018

Essex Police "No child should have to know #howitfeels to lose a parent.

Could you live with yourself?

This Christmas #DriveSafeDriveSober.

Report a drink or drug driver on 101 or 999 in an emergency. pic.twitter.com/Um1iHBbf4f"

— Total Essex (@TotalEssex) December 28, 2018