MORE than ten per cent of drivers breath-tested by Surrey Police during the Christmas and new year drink-drive campaign have proved positive.
Of the 625 breath tests given during the campaign, which ran from Tuesday, December 18 to Wednesday, January 2, 66 drivers were found to be over the limit.
The percentage figure was only slightly better in the 206 breath tests given following road accidents dealt with by the police, which produced 16 positive tests.
During last year's campaign 11 out of the 235 tests given at the scene of road-side accidents were positive.
Chief inspector Mark Clark of Surrey's mobile support division said: "While the number of positive roadside tests was up slightly on last year's figure, the number of tests was down by a third.
"Targeting of offenders and drivers involved in collisions was effective and resulted in a 10 per cent increase in offenders being caught.
But the good news on the latest figures was that collisions resulting in personal injury were down by 25 per cent, representing a significant fall - 96 compared to 131 last year.
"We will now do further analysis of age groups and locations to promote more education and targeting in the months to come," said CI Clark.
"Although the campaign is over, Surrey police commitment to detection and apprehension of those who drive while under the influence of drink or drugs will continue throughout the year," he declared.