More drink-drivers have been caught on our roads this month compared to the same period last year.

The increase has been slammed by police officers, who have expressed their disappointment at people still ignoring the risks of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink and drugs.

Figures revealed by Hampshire Constabulary show 108 have been arrested for drink or drug driving between December 1 and 15 this year – compared to 89 arrests in the same period last year.

A total of 75 people have been charged so far, an increase of 39 per cent on the same period last year.

It means more people are getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink and drugs, despite Hampshire Constabulary using the tragic story of young Evey Staley as the focus of its anti-drink and drug driving campaign this year.

The ten-year-old was killed after the car she was travelling in was hit by Robert Blakely, who was two and a half times over the legal drink-drive limit and had been smoking cannabis.

She was in the car with her parents, Neal and Penny Staley, who were left with serious injuries.

Blakely was jailed for ten years in April this year for admitting causing the incident on the A3020 Cowes Road in Newport, on the Isle of Wight.

The wreckage of the car they were travelling in has been exhibited across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to give people a sobering reminder of the fatal consequences of drink and drug driving.

Insp Andy Storey, who is heading the campaign, said: “It is disappointing that people still are not getting the message about drink-driving. It is astounding that people are still taking the risk.

“We are putting more resources than ever before into this campaign – if you choose to drink or drug drive, we will catch you, you will go to court and you will lose your licence.

“But the human cost of drink-driving has a much greater impact.”

He added: “This week we are focusing on designated drivers. If you are planning a night out with friends or family decide on a designated driver or have a plan to get home via a way that does not involve you getting behind the wheel if you have had a drink or taken something else.”