The police were out early on Monday and Tuesday morning this week as their Christmas drink driving campaign got underway.

Officers of E squad were conducting roadside stops of speeding drivers or those with vehicle defects such as broken lights, to notify them of the offence and, if deemed necessary, to carry out a breathalyser test.

Having started the campaign on the first of December, they will be |carrying out the checks at a variety of locations in Falmouth and Penryn until the New Year.

Sergeant Jules Evans said: “On Monday we gave 15 or 16 tickets, but there were no drink drivers, so perhaps the message is getting through.”

“We just want to get the |message out that we’ll be checking drink driving.

If you go to an office party, make sure you’ve had a good break and something to eat and drink.”

On Tuesday morning the police stopped more than ten vehicles with defects between 7.30am and 8.30am, but no drivers were under the |influence of alcohol.

One female motorist, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think it’s a really good idea.”

Another added: “I wasn’t checked for alcohol, but I didn’t know about my lights. It’s good, because you don’t know if you’ve got a problem with your lights. It’s just a bit frustrating when you’re in a rush.”