Wiltshire Police have revealed that 1,702 drivers were breath tested during the 2009 drink-drive crackdown during December and New Year, of which 56 tested positive.

Police say although drink-driving is still a problem, the figures are an improvement on last year.

The total number of breath tests taken during this campaign were up by 68 per cent, with 3.3 per cent of drivers giving a positive reading, compared to 6.4 per cent last year.

In a separate figure, included in the total results, the number of breath tests carried out on drivers involved in collisions resulting in people being injured was 419, with 17 (four per cent) testing positive for alcohol.

Officers also carried out 20 fitness to drive tests on drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs.

Chief Inspector Ian Copus, head of the Wiltshire Road Policing Unit, said: “We believe this has been a very productive drink drive campaign.

“The 56 drink drivers breathalysed and arrested will be brought to justice and could face disqualification, a fine or imprisonment as a result of their choice to drink and drive.

“The campaign has also continued to put pressure on those whose driving is impaired by the use of drugs.

“People considering driving while under the influence of either drink or drugs should be aware that this police crackdown was not just for the Christmas period”