Kent Police in Medway have praised the majority of motorists who listened to calls for them to drive safely over the Christmas and New Year period.

As part of the ‘Safer Winter’ campaign road policing officers carried out a number of road checks across Medway to focus on drink drivers.

The campaign ran between 1 December 2008 and 1 January 2009.

As a result 36 motorists were arrested for drink driving offences and 23 of those were later charged.

Eight motorists were released without charge and five were released on bail pending the results of blood tests.

Chief Insp Iain Mackenzie said:"Our operation has shown us that the vast majority of motorists have listened to advice from Kent Police and our partner agencies over the Christmas and New Year periods.

"The results have been very encouraging in terms of the positive action we have taken with 64 per cent of motorists who were arrested being charged.

"This is an increase from last year’s figure of 53 per cent.

"We regularly see the consequences of drink and drug driving and the lives that are tragically affected as a result.

"That is why we take a zero tolerance approach to these offences.

"We want to work with motorists and I urge the public to drive safely and to go home to their loved ones unharmed and for other road users to be able to do the same.

"Operations such as this will help to reassure residents who have expressed concerns over speeding vehicles that Kent Police in Medway take those concerns seriously."