MORE than 2,000 people have been arrested in 2018 for drink and drug-driving offences in Lancashire, police reveal.

The startling figures, which work out at around six people a day, come as the police launch their drink and drug-driving campaign for the Christmas period.

In total 948 people were caught drug-driving and 1,220 people caught driving with excess alcohol or failed/refused to provide a sample.

As of today there will be more officers on the street prepared to use saliva testing kits alongside breath tests on motorists who are suspected to be over the alcohol limit, or who may have potentially taken drugs.

Police breathalysed 3,247 people in December 2017 and arrested 126 people for drink-driving offences.

Throughout last year 30 out of 56 drivers tested for drugs had failed the test.

Sgt John Jennings-Wharton, from the collision investigation unit, said those who drink and drug-drive are putting their lives and others in danger.

He said: “Forty-nine people have died on the road in Lancashire this year. Most of these have been drink or drug related.

“I am also a family liaison officer, I am one of those people who has to tell someone their loved ones are not coming home as a result of drink and drug accidents.

“It is usually recreational drugs such as cannabis and cocaine that are found when people are tested for drugs.”

According to the law in England and Wales the level of alcohol is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath and 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood.

If you are convicted of driving above the legal limit you may be sentenced to six months in prison, given an unlimited fine or a driving ban for more than a year. If you cause a death by drink driving, you may get up to 14 years in prison, banned from driving for two and an extended driving test

If you are convicted of drug-driving you will get a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and your licence will show you have been convicted of the crime for 11 years.

Inspector Andy Trotter said: “We are determined to keep our roads safe, whether that is at night or the morning after and we will be working throughout the festive period to keep the public safe.

“We want people to enjoy the festive season but to remember the consequences of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“If you’re out partying this Christmas then please plan ahead and book a taxi, check public transport times or don’t drink."