Hundreds of new roadside drink and drugs test kits have been handed out to police officers over the Christmas and New Year period.

This comes after more than 500 people were arrested across Greater Manchester in December and with “Operation Limit”, a police strategy aimed at tackling drink and drug drivers already underway in Bolton, Trafford and elsewhere.

In total Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have bought 785 new breathalyser kits, which they say will give officers more opportunities to test possible drink drivers at the roadside.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker of GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We are delighted to roll out 785 new breathalyser kits that will be out on our roads across the whole Greater Manchester.

“It is even more pleasing to get the kits and have them out with our officers during Operation Limit.

Bury Times: Some of the new kitsSome of the new kits (Image: GMP)

“The operation is well underway and has been in multiple areas across the region in places such as Bolton, Trafford, Rochdale and Wigan.

“A lot of people around this time of the year will more than likely attending Christmas or New Year parties, if you are, my message to you is to leave your car at home.

“Don’t be the reason why someone else’s loved one might not be able to join in with the festivities.”

Inspector Parker and his colleagues say that the festive period sees a rise in drink and drug driving, with 53 per cent more people arrested in December compared to the previous January.

Operation Limit has been taking place over the last month as part of an effort to tackle this and officers say this will see them take a more “proactive approach” to tackling drink and drug drivers.

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The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

But people who have been drinking may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose their licence if they drive and are still over the legal limit.

Police guidance remains that alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair people’s ability to drive.

Officers’ recommendation is that people driving should not drink any alcohol at all.