The total compared with 9,700 drink drivers who were snared in the 2006 crackdown

The number of motorists caught drink driving in the annual Christmas campaign fell by nearly a fifth year-on-year, it was revealed today.

Police carried out more than 155,000 breath tests last month - 6% more than in the previous festive campaign - with 7,800 proving positive.

The total compared with 9,700 drink drivers who were snared in the 2006 crackdown.

The number of drug drivers was also down, with 153 arrests compared with 251 the previous year, the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said.

Nottinghamshire Chief Constable and Acpo head of roads policing Steve Green said: "While just one person drinking and driving is too many, the fact that we have tested 10,000 more drivers than during the last campaign yet arrested some 20% fewer is encouraging.

"It indicates that increased enforcement and a hard-hitting campaign may be starting to have an impact.

"Those arrested will now be brought to justice and face potentially life-changing consequences, with disqualification, a fine or imprisonment all possible results for their actions."

However, today's figures showed there was no significant difference in the failure rate between older drivers and those aged under 25, who are statistically more likely to be involved in road traffic collisions.

Mr Green said: "Older drivers, who might be expected to take a more mature and considered decision than those younger than them, are evidently not doing so.

"In partnership with Government and other agencies, it is vitally important that we address the behaviour of young drivers, who are significantly more likely to be involved in fatal and serious collisions, even when they have not been drinking."

He went on: "This high-profile campaign is now concluded but with drink driving remaining a major contributor to deaths on the roads, our efforts to arrest and disqualify offenders will be relentless throughout the year ahead."

Road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said he was "delighted" with the results, adding: "This sends out a powerful message to anyone thinking of drink driving - you are in a dwindling minority and have an increasingly high chance of being caught.

"With the police carrying out even more breath tests and keeping up the pressure throughout the year, everyone should know that drinking before driving just isn't worth the risk."

The figures were for England and Wales, but excluded Surrey Police which has yet to finalise its totals.