MORE than 100 motorists were found to be over the alcohol limit during Essex Police’s latest crackdown on drink driving.

The force’s summer anti-drink drive campaign was held at the same time as the European Football Championships and officers were out and about across the county between June 1 and June 30, taking a zero tolerance approach to those caught driving over the legal limit.

Of the 2,250 drivers stopped and breathalysed during the period, a total of 110 (4.8 per cent) were found to be driving over the legal alcohol limit or refused or failed to provide a sample.

Of those found to be over the limit, 83 (75 per cent) were men and 27 (25 per cent) women. A total of 15 (14 per cent) were aged under 25 and 95 (86 per cent) were aged 25 and over.

As part of the campaign, police stepped up road checks in towns with bustling night life and rural areas where the force said some drivers believe they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel.

A plea was also made in the run up to the initiative for drivers, their families, friends and members of the public to take responsibility by reporting drink drivers to Essex Police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

During last year’s campaign, 110 drivers were found to be over the limit.

Of those 110, 87 were men and 23 were women. A total of 42 were aged under 25 and 68 were aged over 25.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, said: “Every year I am disappointed to see that some people continue to drink and drive. They believe themselves to be above the law and put innocent lives at risk by getting behind the wheel under the influence.

“This year our campaign was focused on intelligence-driven areas of concern so although we tested slightly fewer drivers there were more positive results.”

“Our Summer Anti-Drink Drive campaign may now have come to an end but our efforts to bring drink drivers to justice will continue. We won’t tolerate those who drink and drive and are asking members of the public to help us rid our roads of such irresponsible drivers.

“The community that we serve must know who these individuals are and we would strongly urge people to report them to Essex Police or to Crimestoppers anonymously. Picking up the phone could save a life.

“Our message remains unchanged – if you are found to be driving while over the limit you will be arrested and put before the courts.”