More than 200 motorists were arrested for drink or drug driving in November, Essex Police has revealed.

The force released the statistics as it launched its annual drink and drug driving Christmas crackdown on December 1.

In November, Essex police made 133 drink driving arrests and a further 77 for drug driving offences.

Adam Pipe, head of roads policing in Essex, urged drivers to heed this year's campaign message: "This Christmas, make their present your presence."

“Alcohol and driving doesn’t mix. Don’t let it ruin your festivities, leaving your loved ones at home waiting for you to be released from custody, or worse, never coming home at all," he said.

“The consequences of drink driving can be life-changing – it could lead to you losing your licence, your career, your home. Or worse, it could cost you or someone else their life.

“It won’t just affect you, it will affect your partner, your parents and your children.

“Imagine the face of your child on Christmas morning as they open their present, but you’re not there.

“Your presence means the world to them, why wouldn’t you want to be there for them?”

In total, Essex Police has arrested 1,239 drink drivers and 981 drivers who were over the drug drive limit this year up to November 30.

During 2020, there were 84 killed or seriously injured (KSI) collisions where drink or drug driving was a contributing factor.

Six of these were fatal and 11 incidents happened in December.

Roger Hirst, police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, said: “There is no excuse for driving a vehicle if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. You are putting not only your life but other people’s lives at risk if you do.

“Improving safety on our roads is a priority in both my Police and Crime and Fire and Rescue plans for Essex.

“More people are killed or seriously injured on our roads in Essex because of road incidents compared to other types of crime and we must do more to prevent this.”

Anyone with information about a suspected drink or drug driver can contact Essex Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.