Police tackle drink and drug driving in the run-up to Christmas

Cumbria Police are receiving more training in catching people under the influence of drugs or alcohol behind the wheel.

Forces across the country will be targeting drink and drug driving in the run-up to Christmas, as there is a higher risk of people driving under the influence after festive gatherings.

Officers are now better equipped than ever to charge those found guilty, with the use of tests such as 'drug wipes' - used to test saliva and tell if a person has taken drugs such as cocaine or cannabis.

Our reporter Robin Davies took one of these tests to demonstrate how they work:

However, officers are also trained in other ways of finding out whether someone is fit to be driving on the road.

These are known as Field Impairment Tests (FITs) - six tests which can include placing a finger on the nose, examining the person's pupils, standing on one leg, etc.

From December 1 2016 until New Year's Day, a total of 48 drivers either tested positive for being over the alcohol limit or refused to take a test.

In the same period the previous year, 26 drivers failed roadside breath tests.

Chief Inspector Andy Wilkinson said:

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: