Police are stopping motorists on one of Sheffield's busiest roads today - this is why

Officers spent Monday morning on Penistone Road pulling over motorists and getting them to provide breath tests.

The operation was part of South Yorkshire Police’s Christmas drink-drive campaign, which is aiming to encourage people to think twice about getting behind the wheel while over the limit, especially the morning after the night before.

Results of the operation are expected to be released by the force later.

Police Sergeant Antony Cartlidge told the Star at the scene: “People have been really supportive of what we’re doing and we’d like to thank them for their co-operation

“Our message is simple: if you’re drinking, don’t drive – and remember that you may not be fit to get behind the wheel the morning after drinking.

“Drink-driving can ruin lives – don’t do it.”

He added that checks would continue to be carried out across the region to combat the crime in the run-up to Christmas.

Roads Traffic Inspector Jason Booth said: “There is no way of knowing how long it will take for alcohol to be processed by your body, everyone is different.

“After a night out, you could still be over the legal limit the following day, which is just as dangerous.

“We are urging everyone this year to think ‘is it worth it’?

“You can plan ahead, book a taxi, organise a lift, but please don’t get behind the wheel.

“£20 for a taxi is nothing compared to the devastation you could cause by driving over the limit.

“We wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.”

One of the drivers who was pulled over and provided a negative breath test was 38-year-old Beth Fenton, of Deepcar.

She said she was fully supportive of the campaign and added: “A lot of people don’t realise how long it takes for alcohol to get out of your system and that you may be still be over the limit in the morning.”