CHRISTMAS drink-drive arrests have dropped 15 per cent on last year, Hampshire Constabulary's Smashed figures show.

During the campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1, a total of 5,811 drivers were breath tested – an increase of four per cent (243) on Christmas 2011.

Of those tested, 205 people gave a positive reading and were arrested and of those, 12 per cent were at least three times over the drink-drive limit.

Police have since charged 140 people (68 per cent) with drink-drive offences, bailed 51 (25 per cent) pending further enquiries and released 14 (seven per cent) with no further action.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.