Police say their "targeted" approach led to more arrests

But figures released on Wednesday showed there was a drop in the number of injuries caused by road collisions in the same period.

Officers say the rise is proof their "targeted and intelligence-led" approach was a success in 2003.

In Berkshire, 16 people - 22% of those stopped and given a breath test - were found to be over the drink-drive limit.

That was a rise of 13% on the figures for 2002, when three times as many drivers were breathalysed.

Meanwhile, in Oxfordshire, 17% of motorists tested proved positive, compared to 6% in the same period in 2002.

The number of road crashes dealt with by the force over the Christmas period fell from 194 in 2002 to just 161 in 2003.

Those caught drink-driving face losing their licence for at least 12 months and could also face a prison term of six months or a �5,000-fine.