Police say they will continue to target motorists throughout the year

Statistics released on Wednesday show 224 motorists were arrested for either refusing to take a breath test or testing positive.

More than 16,000 drivers were stopped during a month-long campaign.

In 2002, 329 motorists were arrested for drink-related offences while 262 were arrested in 2003.

Superintendent Lawrie Lewis, said: "We have been proactive with the drink drive campaign and it has certainly paid off.

"Motorists who have been stop checked have been warned about the dangers of drink driving and given advice packs which also included information on car crime prevention.

"However, it is disappointing that 224 motorists continued to drink and drive and ignore advice."

More than 100 motorists were arrested within two weeks of the campaign being launched on December 1.

Out of the 225 motorists arrested, the oldest driver was a 76-year-old man who was stopped in Somerset.