Police said alcohol was a factor in many road accidents last year

Officers tested 1,042 drivers on Cumbria's roads in March as part of the ongoing Operation Abolish.

Of those, 65 were positive and another two drivers were arrested for driving while unfit because of drugs.

In 2004, 58 people died and 374 were badly injured on Cumbria roads, with alcohol often a factor, police said.

In North Cumbria there were 294 tests with 28 positive and one refusal and in West Cumbria 114 tests with eight positive.

In the south of the county, there were 634 tests with 29 positive results, one refusal and one unable to give a sample for medical reasons.

Insp Nick Coughlan, from Cumbria Police, said: "It is madness to get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

"There are still too many people apparently prepared to put themselves and others in terrible danger by doing so.

"Operation Abolish is aimed at those people reckless enough to hit the road after using drink or drugs."