NEARLY 80 more people have been arrested by police over the last week as part of their annual campaign cracking down on drink and drug driving over the festive season.

It comes after officers in West Yorkshire arrested 58 people during the first week of the initiative.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said yesterday: "Our roads policing officers have made 77 arrests during the second week of our festive drink drug drive campaign.

"That's 50 for suspected drink driving and 27 for suspected drug driving, including a noticeable spike last weekend.

"There's no excuse for drink or drug driving."

As part of the campaign, police are sharing some of the excuses given by people arrested for driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the West Yorkshire roads policing unit, said: "This year's campaign centres around 'the 12 excuses of Christmas' to highlight just some of the reasons that people come up with to try to justify driving over the limit.

"Common excuses include 'I only had a couple', 'I wasn't driving very far' or 'I haven't had a drink since last night'.

"The consequences of drink or drug driving can include a fine, disqualification and even a prison sentence.

"But most importantly the outcome could be having to live with the knowledge that you have seriously injured, or even killed, an innocent person.

"My officers are experts in spotting the signs of people driving under the influence and will be relentless in continuing to stop every driver they suspect may be doing so."

In support of the initiative, members of the public are being encouraged to report anyone they suspect is regularly driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

West Yorkshire's deputy mayor, Alison Lowe, added: "This latest campaign targeting drink and drug driving over the festive period plays a vital role in our partnership ambitions around Vision Zero.

"Our aim is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, creating safer and healthier communities across West Yorkshire.

"Being under the influence can lead to deadly consequences, and excuses won’t change a single thing when the worst happens."

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, contact police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.