ALMOST 300 motorists have been arrested for drink and drug driving across Cheshire over the past four weeks.

New roadside testing kits have enabled officers to detect immediately if people are under the influence of drugs including cannabis and cocaine.

Operation Roadster was launched in June to combat drivers under the influence of drink and drugs and to reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions.

Seven drug drivers were arrested in Widnes and two in Runcorn and 11 drink drivers were arrested in Widnes and nine in Runcorn.

Altogether 180 drink drivers and more than 100 drug drivers were found to be over the legal limit.

Inspector Steve Griffiths of Cheshire’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Operation Roadster has been a success.

“However it is disappointing to see people are still choosing to drive under the influence of drink and drugs and do not see the dangers they are putting not only themselves in but others too.

“Drink and drug driving is extremely dangerous. It will affect your reaction time making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge the distance between you and other vehicles and notice hazards on the roads.

“All of this means you are more likely to be involved in a collision, which could be fatal.”

Drivers are being warned they will face prosecution if caught exceeding the drink drug limit.

Inspector Griffiths added: “Even though Operation Roadster has come to a conclusion, officers will continue to work hard to reduce the number of drink and drug drivers in Cheshire helping to make our roads safer.”