Figures show ‘mixed results’ following a festive drink driving campaign by police.

The number of drivers caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs has risen, it has been revealed.

Figures released by Devon and Cornwall police showed that there were 216 positive breath tests taken during a Christmas drink and drug driving campaign, compared to 157 last year.

Of the tests carried out on the under 25 aged group 72 were positive compared to 44 last year.

However, the number of collisions in the force area saw a drop with 1,527 collisions recorded compared to 1,960 during the previous year.

During the month-long national campaign last December officers carried out a number of evening and early morning patrols.

Inspector Richard Pryce, the roads policing professional lead for the force, said: “There are some mixed results from this year’s campaign.

“Whilst we are pleased to see the drop in the number of collisions on our roads, we are disappointed with the increase in the number of positive breath tests.”

He added: “It is clearer now that educational campaigns in drink/drug driving must be directed even more at the younger driver age group – we have to get our message across.

“The message continues to be clear – we will not tolerate drinking and driving.

“It is important to press home the message to never drink and drive, a message which officers continue to instil in drivers 365 days a year.”