THE third week of the annual summer drink and drug driving crackdown resulted in 12 arrests in Gloucestershire.

It brings the total number of arrests since the campaign began at the start of the month to 41.

Of the 12 people arrested during the third week, seven have been charged and are due to appear in court in the coming weeks.

The remainder either remain in custody, have been released on police bail or have been released without charge after a police station breath test showed they were under the limit.

Inspector Jason Keates, of the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: "The figures are about average for weekly drink driving arrests for us, but it’s still disappointing that people continue to drink and drive, even in the knowledge that we are actively targeting drink drivers.

"We take absolutely no satisfaction in arresting people for drink driving, as they have quite literally taken their own lives, and the lives of others, in their hands when getting behind the wheel."

The latest arrests have been made in Cheltenham, Coleford, Gloucester, Berkeley, Cinderford, Stroud, Tewkesbury and Lydney.

Those arrested included 11 men and one woman, ranging in age from 18 up to 50.