MORE people in Hampshire were caught driving under the influence of either drink or drugs over the festive period than last year say police after the annual Christmas crackdown.

Each year Hampshire Police run Operation Holly from around December 1 to January 1. The operation is aimed at arresting people driving while unfit through drinking or drug use.

Last Christmas 222 drivers in the county were found to be affected by either drink or drugs when stopped by police and this year the figure was 254 – an increase of 12.9 per cent on 2016.

More than three quarters of those arrested were male, with most offenders aged between 21 and 30.

Hampshire Police traffic spokesman Sergeant Rob Heard said: “New legislation and equipment made detecting drug drivers much easier, and this resulted in extra arrests. Our commitment towards preventing the distress and misery caused by driving under the influence of drink or drugs is unwavering.”