The drink drive figures were down from last summer's campaign

During the "zero-tolerance" World Cup operation in June, a total of 6,857 breath tests were issued, with 416 people testing positive.

Chief Supt Geraint Anwyl from Dyfed Powys police said the figures, while down overall on last year, were still "disappointing and unacceptable".

Anti-drink drive campaigner Tony Dring said he was "concerned" by the figures.

The four Welsh police forces - North Wales, Dyfed-Powys, South Wales and Gwent - stepped up their breathalyser campaign in the month to 5 July to deter people from driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

DRINK-DRIVE SUMMER FIGURES North Wales - 2,238 tests, 95 positives (1,805 tests, 123 positive - summer 2005) Dyfed-Powys - 1,038, 46 positive (1,490; 74 - 2005) South Wales - 1,153 tests, 186 positive (1180; 156 - 2005) Gwent - 2,028 tests, 89 positive (945; 54 - 2005) All Wales total - 6,457 tests, 416 positives (5,420; 407 - 2005)

South Wales Police had the worst drink drive figures, with just over 16% of those tested being over the limit.

In the other three forces, just over four per cent of those breathalised tested positive.

Mr Anwyl, head of the North Wales operational support division who led the campaign, said the Welsh forces would continue to target drink-drivers.

He said the 416 arrests for drink-driving were "disappointing and unacceptable."

"The Welsh forces will continue to maintain the impetus in targeting this dangerous and anti-social behaviour, which shows a clear disregard for the safety of the majority of road users," he added.

"Our message to everyone remains 'make this a summer to remember for all the right reasons, not to regret it for all the wrong ones'."

Despite previous campaigns, people are still being killed or seriously injured as a direct result of drink driving, police say.

Any amount of alcohol or drugs in the body can affect a person's driving ability and judgement.

Chief Insp Phil Davies of Dyfed-Powys police said although the figures were down on last year's crackdown, they did not want to be complacent.

"We're still concerned about the overall percentage of motorists who continue to flout the law and cause a danger to other road users even though it is positive to see that numbers are decreasing," he said.

Concern

"Dyfed Powys will continue to enforce throughout the year as well as working with our partners to drive home the message of anti drink/drug-driving."

Tony Dring, spokesman for the Campaign Against Drinking and Driving, said he was "concerned" by the figures but congratulated the Welsh police forces for their campaign.

"This is one of the worst times of year for drink-driving because people are going to parties and barbecues and feel relaxed.

"But the reality is they should not drink and drive. I've met lots of families who've lost loved ones in the summer to drink-drivers.