image: John Giles/PA Wire

Drink driving is more common in the summer than at Christmas, police chiefs have revealed.

A recent blitz found almost double the proportion of UK drivers stopped were over the limit than during a similar operation over the festive period.

Nearly eight per cent of motorists stopped were found to be over the limit in a six-day operation last month, compared to four per cent of those stopped during Christmas last year.

Police forces traditionally hold high-profile drink-driving campaigns at Christmas because this is thought to be when people are tempted to offend.

The figures were collected as part of an operation conducted by police forces across Europe.

They revealed that the UK had the third highest level of drink driving, behind Germany (16 per cent) and Slovenia (10 per cent).

Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We are determined to get the message home that drink driving is unacceptable at any time of the year.

"These results illustrate why we must be vigilant. We will carry out checks day and night throughout the year backed up by intensive week-long campaigns like this one."

The campaign found of 11,405 drivers stopped in the UK, 8 per cent were found to be over the limit.

A similar week-long campaign held in the run up to Christmas checked 31,451 drivers with 4 per cent proving positive.