POLICE have warned drivers who drink before getting behind the wheel that they will remain vigilant as a summer drink drive crackdown comes to an end.

North Yorkshire Police’s month long campaign against drink drivers has proved successful, with a number of offenders charged and fast-tracked through the courts.

With one week of the campaign to go officers have arrested 66 motorists suspected of driving while over the limit, with 35 of those drivers charged.

Traffic Sergeant Ian Pope, of North Yorkshire Police’s roads policing group, said: "Although the campaign is coming to an end next week, there will be no let up in terms of targeting drink drivers and those who drive while under the influence of drugs.

"The campaign raises awareness that drink and drug driving is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It lets people know that we are watching them and if they are caught they will be dealt with quickly and will lose their licences.

"Most people are getting the message but some people are choosing to be ignorant. We will continue targeting those individuals until they start taking responsibility for their actions and stop putting people’s lives at risk."

The campaign has been assisted by members of the public who have passed information to the police about people they suspect are drink driving.

Among the people who have been fast-tracked through the courts is Keith Standen, 61, from Ripon, who was banned from driving for 12 months when he appeared before Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He was also fined £170 and ordered to pay £85 in costs after he was caught driving with 59 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.