Nationally, drink drive figures for the December 2010 Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) campaign show that across the country 169,838 tests were conducted and more than 6,600 tested positive, or refused or failed to provide a breath test.

Throughout December, South Yorkshire Police followed an intelligence led approach to the campaign, specifically targeting areas with a known record of drink driving. The police enforcement was supported by a local advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. The ‘Drinking Like a Fish’ campaign appeared across the county and included a range of advertising methods such as local radio and bus-side advertising in addition to online advertising via Facebook.

South Yorkshire Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Stuart Walne said: “Running an intelligence led campaign meant that whilst the number of breath tests carried out had reduced in comparison to the campaign during December 2009, the number of people caught drink driving actually increased.

“The increased number of arrests shows we are serious about keeping people safe from drink drivers. I'd like to thank not only my colleagues for working so hard, but also the public in helping to inform us of regular drink drivers”.

“Despite our efforts, we still get situations where some people are up to four times over the limit and where others are double the drink driving limit the morning after. It is clear that drink driving kills people and is a factor in road collisions which can have a devastating effect on families and loved ones.

“Such instances are not acceptable on the roads. If you know someone that regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol I would urge you to contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.