A POLICE chief claims a hardcore of drink-drivers are putting lives at risk.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, 127 over-the- limit motorists were arrested on Teesside, several following road collisions.

Shocked by the high number of arrests, Inspector Eric Robinson, head of the Cleveland Road Policing Unit vows a crackdown on drink-drivers will continue all year.

He said: "Despite widespread publicity, both locally and nationally, well over 100 people were arrested for drinking and driving, with several arrests being made after road traffic collisions.

"The arrests took place at all times of the day and night, with offenders from across the whole social spectrum.

"Although we breath-tested more people than in previous years, these figures prove that a minority of drivers just will not listen to the advice being given and are prepared to risk life.

"This is just not acceptable.''

The police chief added: "We will continue throughout the year with our robust policy of breath-testing all drivers involved in collisions and those committing offences.

"We will also breathalyse anyone we stop who we suspect has been drinking alcohol.

"The Christmas campaign may be over, but our year-long battle continues.''

His officers breath-tested 1,698 drivers between December 1 and January 7.

Mr Robinson said: "I've said it before, and I'll say it again - drink-driving wrecks lives. Don't take the chance at any time of year.''