Forty three people were arrested during a month-long drink and drug driving crackdown, Cumbria police have revealed.

Officers breath tested 327 people during the campaign to tackle motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Of those, 136 were tested after a crash.

In total 43 people tested positive, failed to provide a breath specimen or refused to take the test - about 13 per cent.

Eighteen of those who failed had been tested after a crash.

Inspector Jo Fawcett said: "This year saw a focused targeting of suspected offenders which led to a percentage increase from the 2015 summer campaign.

"Results like this are always disappointing as it shows that motorists continue to gamble their own or other road users' lives by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect a motorist's ability to drive safely.

"Our advice to all motorists is that if you're planning on driving a vehicle, do not drink any alcohol or take drugs.

"Different amounts of alcohol or drugs can have different effects due to a wide range of variables.

"The fact that 18 people were found to be over the limit following a collision is alarming.

"If people continue to drive whilst they have alcohol or drugs in their system it will only be a matter of time before we are dealing with the fatal consequences.

"As a force we will continue to target drink and drug drivers as part of our work to make Cumbria's roads safer."