INFORMATION from members of the public helped to catch more drink and drug drivers in Avon and Somerset over the festive period.

Some 117 of the 184 people arrested in the police force area under Operation Tonic were charged – up from 155 arrests and 96 people charged the previous year.

Members of the public made 634 calls to police, resulting in 52 arrests, during the campaign which ran from December 1 to January 1.

Chief Inspector Kevin Rowlands, head of road safety at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Although it’s disappointing that more than 100 drivers have been charged with serious offences, I am thrilled with the response from the public.

“The number of calls we had from the public to report people who they believe have been driving under the influence of drink or drugs has been fantastic and a real highlight of the operation.

“That has had a significant impact on our ability to catch and arrest offenders.

“It is clear to me that the vast majority of people see the danger caused by drink and drug drivers and are willing to do something about it by reporting offenders to the police.

“We’ve reviewed all the arrests and many are not related to the party season, which means our message about not driving after a night out seems to be getting through.”

Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal four’ offences, together with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving, that are known to cause most deaths on the road.