Drink and drive festive warning

Out of 3,183 such tests carried out by officers across the county this month, fewer than one per cent of drivers gave positive results.

But out of the 464 people under 25 whose breath samples were taken, six were found to have been drinking alcohol.

Insp Robin Clifton said: “The overall figures appear low which is very positive, but we are disappointed to see that the number of under 25s who have given positive breath tests is proportionately much higher than older drivers.”

It was also found that a number of the early morning readings tested positive for alcohol - from people who had been drinking the night before.

This year police have carried out more than three time the number of roadside breath tests compared to last year’s month-long campaign.

Officers are also carrying out winter safety checks on vehicles to ensure road users remain safe in the extreme weather conditions.

Insp Clifton said: “Our intention is to keep people safe. We want people to enjoy Christmas and the New Year, but we want people to do so sensibly and leave the car at home if they intend to have a drink.”