THE number of people caught drinking and driving over Christmas in Devon and Cornwall increased slightly this year, reflecting the national trend.
However, in West Devon, there were no recorded positive breath tests of motorist involved in road collisions, and fewer accidents resulting in injury compared with last year.
Across the force area, police officers gave breath tests to 327 drivers involved in road collisions between December 18 and January 2, with 48 people testing positive. This is four more than last year, and in line with the national increase.
Traffic Sgt Andrew Webber said: ?The rise in drink-driving arrests and the reduction in collisions reflects the success of Operation Ordnance ? targeting traffic policing where it matters most.
?While there has been a small increase in the amount of positive breath tests, we have found this to be an offence committed predominantly by young men aged between 18 and 24-years-old ? the same group tends to have more collisions than any other.?
Sgt Webber said anyone with information about suspected drink-driving should contact the police directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.