MORE than 200 motorists were arrested in Sussex during a summer crackdown on drink and drug-driving.

Operation Dragonfly, a Surrey and Sussex Police campaign, ran from Monday 6 June to Sunday 10 July.

Officers acted on intelligence and carried out patrols and stop checks across the county during the 34-day period.

Sergeant Phil Badman, of the Surrey and Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit, said: "No matter what time of year it is, people still continue to take risks by driving under the influence of drink and drugs in Sussex.

"We work hard to hit home the message that drink and drug-driving will not be tolerated, and the consequences that such actions could have on our roads. Despite this, a small minority appear to either ignore our advice or simply think they are above the law.

"One thing is for sure – if you are caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs, you will be dealt with robustly. This includes a minimum of a 12-month ban, and can include heavy fines, community sentences and, in some cases, a prison term. It can also affect the cost of your insurance policy and future employment, and the risk really isn't worth taking.”

Some arrests have come as a result of an increasing number of reports from members of the public, and officers are encouraging law-abiding road users to continue to report offenders.

People in Sussex can text officers on 65999 with the details of people they suspect of drink or drug driving or visit operationcrackdown.co.uk.