Dozens of people have been arrested in the first week of Essex Police's summer anti-drink and drug driving campaign.

From June 14 to June 21, 17 people were arrested on suspicion of drink driving, five on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen and 23 on suspicion of drug driving across the county.

The campaign aims to highlight the effect alcohol and drugs can have on people's ability to react behind the wheel when an incident happens on the road.

Adam Pipe, head of road policing, said: “Drink or drug driving is not acceptable. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows how quickly you can react to something on the road.

“The consequences of this could be fatal. And how would you feel if someone was seriously injured or killed because you were drink or drug driving. It’s just not worth it.

“What these figures also highlight is the extent to which drug driving is an issue in Essex.

“My officers will continue to carry out proactive operations to tackle those flouting the law as well as acting on information and intelligence from members of the community.

“Our message to all road users is this summer, drive safe drive sober.”

Call 101 to report a drink or drug driver or report regularly drink or drug drivers at saferessexroads.org/extraeyes/