TWO drivers will appear in front of magistrates after they were both charged with being three-and-a-half times over the legal drink drive limit.

They are among the 45 motorists who face losing their licence when they appear in court on suspicion of drink or drug driving.

They were all arrested during North Yorkshire’s Operation Attention – a month-long campaign which began in early June to tackle a summer surge in people who drive while intoxicated.

A 19-year-old man was arrested in Threshfield, on Saturday, June 22 and is due to appear before Harrogate magistrates on July 18 after blowing 123 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35.

And a 35-year-old woman from York was arrested in the city on Monday and is due to appear before York magistrates on the same date after recording a breathalyser reading of 129.

It is the highest reading officers have recorded during their 2019 campaign.

Traffic Sergeant Andy Morton, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “While I should stress that these individuals have not yet appeared at court or been convicted, generally speaking, decent law-abiding road users are disgusted by the small minority of motorists who endanger other road users by drink or drug driving.

“That’s why we’re encouraging them to call us with information about people they suspect are driving under the influence by dialling 101 – one call, one chance to save someone’s life.

“If you see someone about to drive while intoxicated, or drunk or drugged behind the wheel, call 999 immediately.”

Police have been checking drivers around the clock and acting on intelligence about repeat offenders as part of Operation Attention.

So far, just under half of the 109 arrested during the campaign have been charged and given court dates. Investigations are ongoing around many of the other cases, which may involve drug tests being analysed or further evidence gathered before a driver is charged.

North Yorkshire Police is working with other organisations including North Yorkshire County Council as part of the 95 Alive partnership. Events are being held across the county in June and July to educate members of the public and reinforce prevention messages.