An estimated 10,000 motorists were stopped, of whom 262 were arrested.

This compares to 329 arrests in the same period in 2002.

Police added that there was not a single serious or fatal road traffic collision during December in which alcohol was a contributory factor.

Superintendent Lawrie Lewis said: "Our objective to reduce drink-related casualties on our roads has been achieved.

"This, together with the reduction in the number of motorists arrested, indicates that our message about the dangers of drink driving is definitely starting to get through."

Of the 262 people arrested, 229 were for providing a positive breath test, 11 for refusing the test and 22 for being found drunk in charge of a vehicle.