MORE than 80 arrests have been made as part of a regional crackdown on drink and drug driving.

Officers from the West Yorkshire force have been upping enforcement this month.

The initiative began on Monday, August 14 – a week ahead of a countrywide crackdown spearheaded by the National Police Chiefs' Council - and runs until today.

This year's venture has also been warning motorists about the dangers of driving under the influence of nitrous oxide, which is a growing issue.

Investigations following a number of road traffic accidents in West Yorkshire have found that drivers were reportedly using nitrous oxide.

Inspector Chris Robinson, of the West Yorkshire Police roads policing unit, says: "On average, there are over 8,680 serious injury or fatal collisions on UK roads each year where drivers involved are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We know people think they’re good drivers and it 'won’t happen to them', but that’s also what others have thought who have ended up in our cells, in hospital or worse.

"That few pints at a barbecue or in a pub garden will affect you more than you realise, especially if it is a hot day. There are reasons why there are legal limits in place, but the reality is that the safest option is to not drink or take drugs at all if you need to drive. If you know you are going to be drinking or taking drugs, then you should check public transport options or arrange a lift or taxi.

"It is also important to note the dangers of driving the morning after a night of drinking or taking drugs. Our officers are out day and night patrolling our roads and responding to reports of potential drink or drug drivers.

"An emerging issue that is also being seen is the use of nitrous oxide by motorists. Anything that impairs your judgement can be extremely dangerous on our roads and our officers will take action if there's a suggestion that someone is putting themselves or others at risk by driving dangerously or without due care and attention.

"We all need to work together to keep our roads safe."

Anyone with information about somebody they suspect is drink or drug driving can report it online at westyorkshire.police.uk/form/drink-drug-driving-reporting-form or by calling 101.