The number of positive breath tests fell this year

But senior officers said it was still "shocking" that 750 motorists were found to be over the limit during the four weeks - down by 20 on last year.

The number of drivers recording a positive test after an accident rose from 132 to 155.

The number of people aged 41 and over who were arrested for drink-driving also increased, from 223 to 245.

Motorists in that age group accounted for almost a third of the Scottish total.

Charles Michie, Assistant Chief Constable with Lothian and Borders Police, said this issue had been highlighted during the campaign.

We have to get the message across to people that drinking and driving is just not worth it Charles Michie Acpos

Mr Michie, a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) road policing committee, said: "It appears our appeals to some more experienced drivers fell on deaf ears.

"They are risking everything all for the sake of driving their vehicle having had a drink.

"Just before Christmas a 48-year-old man appeared before the courts in East Lothian and was banned from driving for life after being arrested for drink-driving.

"We have to get the message across to people that drinking and driving is just not worth it."

He said any fall in the number of people arrested for drink-driving was welcome.

"But it is still shocking that 750 motorists ignored our warnings about breaking the law," he said.