Police in Cheshire say their crack down on drink driving is showing signs of success following a fall in the number of arrests made during this summer’s campaign.

In June, a total of 112 drivers were arrested for drink driving – 28% less than the same period last year.

This is despite the fact more people were breathalysed this year than in 2012.

Assistant chief constable Ruth Purdie said: “The outcome of the 2013 summer drink driving campaign shows the excellent work and tenacity of our officers in keeping our roads safe.

“By stepping up enforcement measures, this has allowed us to take a hard line to drink and drug driving by identifying those motorists who are still not heeding our warnings.”

Men under 30 continue to be the main offenders of drink driving.

In Chester alone, nine people were breathalysed at the roadside, while 38 people were tested across the borough.

Drivers were also tested for being under the influence of drugs.

Across Cheshire, 18 drug driving tests were carried out and seven arrests were made.

Police and crime commissioner John Dwyer said: “It’s clear that whilst certain people across Cheshire have ignored the ‘don’t drink or drug drive message’, I’m delighted to see that lots of people have taken heed and listened.

“This is shown in the number of drink drive arrests being down in the county. One of my aims is to make Cheshire’s roads safer by reducing road traffic collisions, fatalities and serious injuries that still occur on our roads. I’m heartened by the fact that this message is hitting home.”

This summer’s anti-drink drive campaign focused on young people under 25, as well as those who attend drink-fuelled events, such as barbecues, and then drive home.