The number of people charged with drink-driving during the police’s Christmas campaign was almost double 2016’s figure.

Figures released by the police this week show that the number of arrests relating to drink-driving at Christmas time has increased from seven to 14 since the previous year.

Of the 14 arrests made during the force’s Operation Red Christmas clampdown in 2017, nine people have been charged and will be dealt with by the courts.

Two of those have been granted police bail, pending further investigations, and no further action will be taken with the other three cases.

In December 2016, a total of five people were charged from the seven arrests made for drink-driving.

A police spokesman said: ’This December we stopped more people compared to 2016 and focused on educating island residents about the dangers of drink-driving, which received a positive response from drivers.

’If we got a suspicion that someone was over the limit when stopping them, they would be taken in for a breathalyser test.

’The locations of the arrests made were pretty general,’ he added. Patrols were stationed around the island throughout the month, with a stronger presence at a number of locations during the weekends.

As part of the campaign, police officers offered advice and handed out leaflets, which contained key safety messages. Sergeant Jamie Tomlinson said: ’The constabulary’s 2017 campaign was positively accepted by the Manx public. Hundreds of motorists were stopped and many appreciated speaking to officers while on their journeys.

’This year’s figures are higher than the same period in 2016, but officers engaged with many more motorists.

’It’s disappointing that some still take the risk of being caught.

’The constabulary is committed to tackling drink driving all year round.’

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey MHK said: ’It was pleasing to see high visibility police patrols around the island during our festive campaign, and I was encouraged at the positive engagement our police officers had with the vast majority of motorists.’

He added: ’The resources we allocated to roads policing provided both a warning and a reassurance to motorists that drink-driving is totally unacceptable.

’Campaigns, such as this, promote a crystal clear message from the constabulary - if you choose to drive under the influence of alcohol you are likely to be caught.’