POLICE in Essex have today released figures from an anti drink-drive campaign, which saw 217 people stopped and six giving a positive sample.

The figures up to Thursday, December 6 include a 44-year-old Range Rover driver from Westcliff who was arrested after a collision in Marine parade, Southend, at 6pm on Thursday.

He failed to provide a sample of breath and will appear at Southend Magistrates Court on January 7.

Adam Pipe Casualty Reduction Manager said: “While the percentage of those found drink driving is similar to previous years I am shocked by the drivers we have stopped who are heavily intoxicated and behind the wheel of a car. It is frightening to think what devastation they could have caused.”