THE number of people caught drink driving in East Lancashire is down on last summer, police figures show.

A total of 3,388 tests were carried out on motorists throughout June, with just 35 people, or 1.03 per cent, failing.

Two people refused to provide a specimen.

The summer drink drive campaign was also run in June last year, when 3,154 people were tested.

Police found that 44 people, or 1.4 per cent, were driving over the legal limit.

Chief Insp Debbie Howard, from the road policing unit, said: "This year's crackdown has seen a decrease in the number of people caught drink driving compared to last year.

“I hope that this reduction is down to more people acknowledging the devastating consequences of drink driving.

“We know that people like to make the most of the warmer weather in the summer months and this can sometimes lead to more alcohol being consumed.

“We want people to enjoy themselves but to be aware of the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"I must stress that whilst this campaign is over, our enforcement activity around drink driving continues.

“We police the county's roads day-in, day-out and we will always take action against anyone we suspect of flouting the law.”

County Coun John Fillis, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "It's very encouraging to see the positive effect which years of hard work to change attitudes to drink driving has had, and that this continues to be supported by strong police action.

"The improvement over last year shows that our approach in Lancashire is working and we will continue to educate and enforce to ensure people take on board that drinking and driving is a risk not worth taking.”

To report someone suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 101 or 999 in an emergency.