Essex Police have arrested 44 drivers and charged 24 of them since the launch of their Christmas drink and drug-driving crackdown.

The campaign was launched at the start of the month by the police and the Safer Essex Roads Partnership.

The campaign aims to target perpetrators and the friends and relatives who know about their offending behaviour by highlighting the tragic consequences of drink and drug driving through the eyes of our officers who sadly witness them first-hand.

Between Thursday and Monday, a total of 44 drivers were arrested - 32 for drink-driving offences and the remaining 12 for drug-driving.

Twenty-four of those have now been charged and are due to appear in court.

They include:

Michael O’Neil, 69, of Milford Road, Grays, who is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on December 20, 2016 charged with drink driving. He was arrested in Cygnet View, Thurrock just before 1am on December 2.

Christopher Prentice, 62, of Carisbrooke Drive, Corringham is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on January 3. He was arrested at Penbrooke Avenue, Southend at 8.40pm on December 1.

Nicholas Scorey, 48, of Sandown Close, Wickford, is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on the December 21 charged with drink driving. He was arrested on the A1306 at Purfleet at 1.45am on December 3.

Kenneth Onumadu, 44, of Clickett Hill, Basildon is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on January 3 charged with drink driving and driving without insurance. He was arrested on the A126 at Lakeside at 12.30am on December 4.

A 17-year-old boy from London is due to appear at Basildon Youth Court on January 10, charged with drink driving and obstructing a police officer in the execution of their duty. He was arrested on the A1306 at Purfleet at 12.45am on December 4.

Lisa Harvey, 35, of Ulverston, Purfleet, is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on January 18 charged with being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit. She was arrested on West Thurrock Way, Thurrock at 6.25pm on December 5.

Syed Bakht, 31, of Grifon Road, Chafford Hundred, is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on January 12 charged with drink driving. He was arrested at Girffon Road, Chafford Hundred at 12.10am on December 1.

The remainder of those arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving offences have been released on bail pending further investigation.