DEVON and Cornwall police s annual Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign has shown a further reduction in the number of people recording positive breath tests. Figures from the police force, released last week, showed the total number of collisions re

DEVON and Cornwall police's annual Christmas drink and drug-driving campaign has shown a further reduction in the number of people recording positive breath tests.

Figures from the police force, released last week, showed the total number of collisions reported during the festive period was 1,867 - down from 1,942 during the previous year's campaign.

The force ran the initiative from December 1 to January 1 in conjunction with a national programme launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

826 breath tests were conducted during the campaign on drivers who had been involved in a collision.

Of these, 38 were positive or the driver refused or failed to provide a sample. Positive tests following collisions last year were five per cent.

3634 breath tests were carried out throughout Devon and Cornwall on drivers stopped by police for other reasons.

Of these, 218 were positive or the driver refused or failed to provide a sample.

Inspector Richard Pryce, from the roads policing unit, said: "We are encouraged by the downward trend but not complacent. Our message is simple, don't drink and drive.

"The campaign at Christmas just highlights the work that officers put into deterring and detecting drink drivers throughout the year.