Hundreds of drug drivers caught over Christmas

More people were arrested for drug driving than for drink driving as part of two police forces' Christmas road safety campaign, figures show.

Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said their joint Operation Limit campaign saw 800 people arrested throughout December.

They said they arrested 445 suspected drug drivers and 355 thought to have been drink driving.

Det Ch Insp Justin Thomas, of the forces' Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said it was "disappointing" to see hundreds of drivers get behind the wheel while under the influence.

"We see too often the devastating consequences that can result from this behaviour, and I am pleased that we have managed to make so many arrests and prevent the potential harm that can be caused by drink and drug drivers," he said.

Earlier this week the government outlined potential changes to road safety measures, including reducing the drink drive limit.

The Department for Transport has proposed reducing the alcohol limit for learner and recently qualified drivers from 80 milligrams (mg) per 100 millilitres of blood to about 20mg.

For all other drivers, the level would be lowered to about 50mg. This is the current limit in Scotland.