A CAMPAIGN targeting drink drivers has seen a 20 per cent rise in the number caught, compared with the same period last year.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police launched Operation Solar at the beginning of June and in the first ten days there have were 72 arrests, compared with 60 for the same period last year.
This year eight Isle of Wight drivers were arrested in the ten day period, compared with nine charged in the whole of June last year.
A spokesman said the operation got off to an encouraging start with a 12 per cent drop in arrests in the first four days of the campaign compared to last year’s Bank Holiday Weekend.
Supt Chris Brown, head of roads policing for Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, said he believed this is down to the number of street parties held over the jubilee weekend.
"There were approximately 500 licensed street parties and celebrations across the two counties over the four day holiday, meaning many people stayed close to home. It was an encouraging start but one we thought might have been down to the occasion the country was marking at the time.
"If you’re off to the pub or a mate’s house to watch a Euro 2012 match over the next few weeks, make arrangements to get home safely. Leave your car keys at home if you’ll be tempted to drive and book a taxi or get someone to pick you up."
Officers arrested 61 men and 11 women, aged between 18 and 71-years-old.
Of those arrested 55 have been charged, 14 released with no further action and three bailed pending further enquiries.