Motorists were also checked for drugs in the operation, organised by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL) between 1 June and 7. In total, 986,954 drivers were controlled. There were 17,705 alcohol offences and 1,636 drug offences detected.

Chief superintendent Pasi Kemppainen, chairman of TISPOL’s strategic alcohol and drugs working group, said: ‘Drink driving remains one of the top three killers on Europe’s roads. Police officers across Europe put a great deal of time and effort into enforcing the law, with the intention of showing motorists that drink and drug-driving is not just unacceptable and anti-social, but also a serious danger to other road users.

‘Our focus continues to be on drivers who have been taking drugs and who fail to acknowledge the greatly increased risks they face and pose to other road users. Many medicinal drugs can cause drowsiness and therefore impair driving, so it is very important that drivers taking medication should read the warnings or check with their healthcare professional.’