THE number of motorists arrested in Gravesham for drink-driving over Christmas was one of the highest in Kent.

Between December 1 last year and January 1 this year, officers arrested 37 drivers after they failed roadside breath tests.

Only in Canterbury were more drivers arrested, where officers pulled in 39 who were caught over the limit.

Countywide, the 211 arrests for drink-driving throughout December was lower than the figure of 222 recorded during the same period the previous year.

But nearly a third of drivers who were stopped failed the test, with 681 carried out across Kent.

Roads policing traffic Sergeant Hannah Brown said: “If the worst happens and someone dies in a drink-drive related collision there are catastrophic consequences for the families left behind.

“The offender will have to live with what he or she has done forever and may spend time in prison too. At best, they will have a criminal record which can affect their job or promotion prospects.”