POLICE have arrested 29 people in a drink-driving crackdown across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

During the operation, officers pulled over and tested almost 500 motorists.

The figures were released by Hampshire police yesterday following the crackdown, carried out between 6am on June 18 and 6am on June 20 as part of European Safer Roads Campaign.

Of those tested, 27 failed breath tests and two tested positive in roadside drugs tests.

In Southampton 63 drivers were tested and six of those were arrested for drink-driving.

Inspector Peter Hughes from the Roads Policing Unit said: "These results are disappointing. It's extremely worrying that 29 people were arrested over this short period of time for driving while under the influence of drink and drugs.

"The Roads Policing Unit puts considerable effort into raising the awareness of the dangers of this antisocial practice for both the drivers themselves and for other road users.

"Alcohol and drugs play a significant part in many of the fatal and serious injury collisions that are dealt with across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

Hampshire traffic officers will be patrolling the county's roads this weekend in a bid to cut down on motorcycle deaths.

Operation Triumph will see officers coordinating their efforts on known motorbike routes to focus on riders who are at risk of being involved in an accident by riding dangerously and speeding.

Bikesafe Co-ordinator for Hamp-shire PC Mick Gear said: "This is not about persecuting motorcyclists. We don't want to stop people going out and enjoying a ride. We want them to arrive home safely."