POLICE say they are disappointed that motorists are still risking lives after figures showed no improvement in the number of people caught drink driving.

Figures released today from over the Christmas and New Year holiday reveal that exactly the same amount of people were tested positive when breathalysed by roadside patrols.

In total 5,916 drivers were stopped during last month of which 374 were arrested for either driving while over the legal drink drive limit or refusing to be breathalysed.

The numbers of people driving while under the influence of drugs also saw a similar result to last year, with slightly under a quarter of all those being to subjected to a roadside test, known as a FIT test failing.

During December 88 people were tested and 16 failed. That compares to last year when 100 FIT tests conducted, with 25 proving positive.

It brings the total number of arrests between December 1 and January 1 to 390 - nine less than last year.

Inspector Peter Hughes, of the Roads Policing Unit: "We are very disappointed to see that the figures have remained the same as last year and people are continuing to drink and drive, putting not only their lives but other road users at risk.

"Despite a major publicity campaign, people are clearly still refusing to listen to the message."