POLICE have revealed that there were 70 convictions for drink and drug-driving in West Yorkshire over the festive period.

In data shared online by West Yorkshire Police today, it was reported that 70 driving bans - totalling 120 years - were also given out to people driving under the influence over the holiday season.

One jail sentence of 18 weeks was handed down, as were three suspended sentences and fines totalling over £26,500.

Three interim bans were also imposed, as were two curfews.

Offenders were also ordered to do a combined total of 1,480 hours of unpaid work.

In early December, West Yorkshire Police reported that an average of 11 drivers were being arrested a day as part of its annual campaign to crack down on drink and drug-driving.

For the first time, there were even courtrooms at both Leeds and Bradford Magistrates' Courts being used specifically for drink-drive cases, with the first case being held on 23 December.

Speaking in December, Chief Inspector Katy Woodmason, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “We know that over the Christmas period there tends to be an increase in family meet-ups, work dos and social gatherings, which can all contribute to an increase in drink-driving, both on the night and the morning after. 

“Both drink or drugs can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to drive, and the consequences can be catastrophic.

“This winter season, we are urging people to plan ahead and think about how they are going to get home, and whether they need to put other arrangements in place to do the school run or get to work the morning after a night out."