FORTY three motorists have been arrested in the first four days of Hampshire police's Christmas drink-drive crackdown.

Officers have already stopped 338 vehicles and carried out 320 breath tests in the first week of the December campaign, codenamed Operation Holly, The 43 arrests relating to drink-driving represent a 126 per cent increase on the same four days in 2010.

So far, 33 of those drivers have been charged with offences, seven more have been bailed, and three released with no further action.

The vast majority of those arrested - 84 per cent - have been male. Ages of those arrested range from 17 to 76 years old.

The campaign, which runs until January 1, will see police targeting individuals they suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, both on the way home from nights out and the morning after a heavy night.

Hampshire's head of roads policing, Superintendent Chris Brown, said: “Drink or drug driving is a choice you make. If you make the wrong decision you face a driving ban, up to £5,000 in fines and a criminal record - and that's only the best case scenario.

“The bottom line is that there is no excuse for drink driving. It's a choice that costs people their jobs, their relationships and their lives, not to mention the lives of others.

“Our message is very simple, very clear. Do not drink and drive. Do not take the risk.”

Members of the public can anonymously text 80999 to report anyone they suspect of driving drink or being drug impaired behind the wheel, by providing the precise location where the driver was last seen, direction of travel if possible, and as many vehicle details as possible - most importantly the number plate.

The number is a text-only service, and will not take phone calls but anyone witnessing a drink drive offence in progress can call 999.

Supt Brown said: “While the battle against drink driving is a year-long fight, it's particularly an issue at Christmas when many people are out celebrating or going to parties.

“By reporting those you suspect of driving under the influence of drink or drugs you could be saving their life, or the lives of others. I'd urge people to remember the 80999 number this Christmas and most importantly, not drink and drive.”