ONE in 14 of the drivers stopped by police in Herts over the festive period tested positive for alcohol, according to figures released today (Thursday). During a police campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1, 1,582 drivers were breathalysed of w

ONE in 14 of the drivers stopped by police in Herts over the festive period tested positive for alcohol, according to figures released today (Thursday).

During a police campaign, which ran from December 1 to January 1, 1,582 drivers were breathalysed of which 113 were positive, refused or failed (7.14 per cent).

It was a similar outcome to the Christmas campaign a year earlier when more drivers - 2,429 - had breath tests and 170 tested positive (seven per cent).

Chief Insp Nigel Brown from the strategic road policing unit said: "The percentage of positive breath tests in the Christmas anti drink-drive campaign has been reducing year on year and appears to have now stabilised at a relatively low level.

"However, a minority of people continue to flout the law and risk their own and the lives of others by drinking and driving.

"It's important to remember that drink-driving is not just an issue around Christmas. We carry out regular proactive operations to ensure it is tackled throughout the year and to send a very clear message that drink-driving will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire regardless of what month it is.