NUMBERS of people failing drink driving tests on Britain's roads has increased for the first time in 10 years.

Department for Transport figures show that 3,450 drivers failed roadside tests in 2015.

This is compared to 3,227 motorists who failed in 2014, a rise of 223 people.

Cumbria Constabulary have also reported a rise in the number of people failing or refusing to take roadside tests.

A summer drink-drive campaign by the force saw 327 drivers breathalysed by police, 136 of those administered were after a collision.

The campaign, which concluded in August, saw 13 percent of drivers fail - 43 drivers in total.

Police also revealed at out of these 43 failed tests, 18 were taken after a collision.

This was a five per cent rise of failures when compared to the same period in 2015.

Inspector Jo Fawcett, of Cumbria police, said: "The national statistics may mean that more people are drink-driving, or they may point to more people being caught in the act. Either way, the fact that anyone is drinking before getting behind the wheel is as worrying us as police officers as it should be for everyone in our community.

"The consequences of drink-driving – and, indeed, drug driving - can be life-changing. If you are fortunate, you may simply lose your license and, potentially, your job. But if you drink or take drugs – be it powerful prescription drugs or illegal drugs - and get behind the wheel you are putting your own life, the lives of your passengers, and the lives of other road users and pedestrians at great risk."

Department for Transport records show the numbers of drink-driving incidents had previously fallen every year from a high of 6,397 in 2005. Lucy Amos, a spokeswoman for road safety charity Brake, said: "It's disappointing to see this increase in the number of drivers failing the breath test when behind the wheel. Any amount of alcohol, even amounts below our current drink-drive limit, increases the likelihood of a driver being involved in a fatal crash.

"We need effective enforcement and appropriate penalties to ensure that people have the expectation that they will be caught and that they will be punished when driving over the limit."