Figures released following Devon and Cornwall Police’s Christmas drink driving campaign show that nine per cent of drivers tested were over the limit.

Police officers administered a total of 1,766 breath tests of which 156 were positive, refused or failed to provide. This represents nine per cent of the total and is a decrease of 3.5 per cent on last years result.

Last year the figures were 167 positive, refused or failed to provide from a total of 1,316 or 12.5% of the total.

The total number of positive breath tests following a collision was higher this year at 69 or nine per cent of the total (742) compared to six per cent (21 out of 361) last year.

Inspector Richard Pryce said: “The overall percentage of positive tests is lower which is encouraging. While any positive tests are disappointing, we hope this shows a good trend as more and more drivers take on board the message that it is simply not acceptable to drink and drive. This is definitely now the view of the overwhelming majority of the public.”

“The number of breath tests undertaken is up on last year together with the number of positive tests following collisions. This demonstrates a concerted effort by officers to clamp down on suspected drink drivers during the festive period.

“Nationally and locally a lot of work is being done to by police and other agencies to educate people about the dangers inherent in drink driving both to themselves and other members of the public.

“As well as the risk of serious injuries or even fatalities, it is important to make it clear that other results of drink driving can be life changing. These include losing your license or even your liberty, hefty fines and even a combination of these leading to losing your livelihood. You will certainly lose the approval and respect of your friends and family and the wider public.

“The results this year are encouraging with a lower percentage of positive results and more drink drivers caught, but there are still clearly some who demonstrate a reckless approach regarding their safety and the safety of their fellow road users. We will not stint in our efforts to reinforce our messages and enforce the law on the region’s roads.

“Catching drink drivers is a year-round priority for Devon and Cornwall Police and we will continue to crack down on drink and drug driving to actively contribute to making our roads safer.”