The majority of drivers headed festive warning

The Northumbria force said that for the second year running about one in three people breath tested were over the legal limit.

And while the majority of motorists heeded festive drink-drive warnings, a "significant minority" failed to.

From 18 December to 2 January, 142 out of 593 roadside tests carried out proved positive.

The force, which includes the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, carried out 270 breath tests after collisions had taken place - with 31 proving positive.

Random tests on drivers not involved in accidents, saw 111 positive results.

Insurance premiums

In the same period 12 months ago, there were a total of 97 drivers over the legal limit from 455 breath tests.

The force's assistant chief constable Sue Sim said: " There is hard core of people who still think they won't get caught and they are the people we will continue to target.

"It is reassuring that the majority of people heed the drink driving message but the fact that around one in three people tested by officers failed the test shows we are focusing on the right people.

"Those who have failed drink drive tests are facing a minimum of a year's driving ban, a fine, huge increases in insurance premiums over the next 10 years and difficulties in hiring cars.

"In many cases it can lead to them losing their job and even their home, but their actions may have had even more tragic consequences as they are putting their own and other people's lives at risk.

"We breath test all drivers involved in collisions whatever the time of year and are committed to targeting known drink drivers."