Police have revealed that over the festive holidays 11 people were charged with drink driving.

A total of 323 vehicles were stopped during the police’s anti-drink drive campaign which ran from November 29 to January 1.

Figures of those arrested and charged were lower than 2018’s.

In 2018’s campaign, 349 vehicles were stopped, with 38 people breathalysed and 23 being arrested. Nineteen people were charged - which is eight more than the newest figures - with four having no further action against them.

In the most recent campaign, 21 people were breathalysed, with 16 arrests being made and 11 people being charged. Three drivers were released having provided a breath specimen which was below the legal limit and two were bailed pending further analysis and enquiries.

Out of the 16 arrested, 15 were men.

The campaign included a number of advertisements in Isle of Man Newspapers’ publications.

Police inspector Jamie Tomlinson said: ’This year’s anti-drink drive campaign has resulted in fewer arrests compared with the 2018 campaign figures, which is positive and shows that our message is getting through to motorists island-wide.

’It is also very pleasing that the number of breath tests administered were significantly lower than the previous year.

’Our aim this year was to yet again be highly visible on the island’s roads but also to have a high profile social media campaign which was well received.

’We took a conscious decision to post [online] when arrests had been made in order to deter people from making a decision they would definitely regret.

’The arrests made ranged from teenagers to the elderly, which shows that people of all ages still need to be educated.

’It is our aim to decrease drink drive arrests further and maintain safety on the islands roads. I would always encourage any member of the public to report a suspected impaired driver.’

Minister for Home Affairs Bill Malarkey said: ’I am grateful to the work of the constabulary over the festive period to keep people safe on our roads.

’We supported a high-profile, positive campaign whose core theme was safety, and this seems to have gone down well.

’I’m glad to see that more people used public transport and taxis to get home this year rather than risk drinking and driving.’

He added: ’The roads policing unit remains active year-round, and will always prosecute drivers who are found to be over the legal limit. Drink-driving is totally unacceptable.’