A senior police officer has expressed disappointment with the number of motorists in Suffolk who are still “dicing with death” by drink driving.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of roads policing in Suffolk and Norfolk made the comments after more than 3,500 motorists in Suffolk and Norfolk were stopped by police during a summer crackdown on drink and drug driving.

Throughout June, 3,526 drivers were breathalysed across the two counties, with 195 giving positive tests or failing to provide a specimen.

Ch Insp Spinks said: “I still find it hard to believe that people are prepared to risk their lives and those of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Put simply – they are dicing with death.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgement, making your reactions slower and therefore increases the chances of being involved in a collision.

“We target motorists all year round but this campaign allows us to focus attention on drink drivers; enforcing the law and educating motorists.”

Suffolk Constabulary includes drink driving in its “fatal four” motoring offences alongside speeding, using a mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

Along with partners in Norfolk and other organisations including Think! and the Suffolk Roadsafe Partnership, officers in Suffolk attempt to educate drivers to improve safety.