More than 500 drivers were arrested over the festive period as part of a police crackdown on drink and/or drug drivers.

The campaign, which ran throughout December, was a joint operation between Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.

In Thames Valley 316 arrests were made (325 the previous year), while in Hampshire the figure was 222 (215 last year).

This year also saw an increase of 63% in the number of arrests (80) for drug-driving across both areas.

Henry Parsons, Roads Policing Chief Inspector for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police (TVP), said: “It’s disappointing that we continue to find so many people drink driving.

“The effects of it are so dangerous and it's not worth the risk - there is no excuse for it.

“These figures show that we remain committed to targeting those who cause death on our roads and make the roads less safe than they should be.”

During the campaign, 35-year-old Robert Harrison, from Southampton, was arrested after drinking a bottle of vodka before driving erratically on the M3.

When stopped by police, his breathalyser reading so high it was "off the scale". Harrison pleaded guilty and received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with a disqualification from driving for 36 months.

Police are urging people to call 101, or 999 if it's an emergency, if they know someone who is driving over the limit, or takes drugs and drives.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.