A 'SHOCKING' number of drivers are getting behind the wheel after having one too many for the road, say Cheshire Police.

The force targets drink-drivers all year round and the festive season is no exception.

In Chester and Ellesmere Port, a total of 75 drivers have been arrested for alcohol-related offences since November 1.

Sgt Rachel Gallagher of the division's Road Policing Unit said: 'Although in one sense the campaign is proving to be a success because we are getting these people off the road, I hate to call it a success as it shows that there are still drivers out there who have a total disregard for the drink-drive legislation.'

Sgt Gallagher's team targets drink-drivers around the clock, 365 days a year and all over the festive season they are being joined in their efforts by the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

'We're working all across the division in both the urban and rural areas, day in, day out. We're not going to ease up on this until the message is driven home to everyone. Drink-driving is not acceptable.

'My officers and I witness first-hand the carnage caused by drink-driving and that's why I'm absolutely clear on my advice to drivers - if you are going to drive, do not drink,' said the sergeant.

In addition to acting on information from members of the public to pro-actively target suspect drink drivers, every driver involved in a collision is breath-tested along with all drivers suspected of drink-driving who are stopped as part of a routine check.

'I'd like to thank members of the public for their help in getting drink-drivers off the road. Information passed on to us by residents has helped us target and arrest lots of drivers who regularly flout drink-driving laws.

'I'd urge them to continue passing on information in this way.'

People with information about drink-drivers are asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 01244 350000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.