FEWER motorists were caught drink driving on Suffolk's roads during this festive period compared to the year before - with the majority of those over the age of 25.

FEWER motorists were caught drink driving on Suffolk's roads during this festive period compared to the year before - with the majority of those over the age of 25.

The month-long campaign, which began on December 1, saw police officers across the county conduct 3,069 breath tests, with 94 (3.0pc) coming back positive.

Of these, 1,098 were carried out on drivers under the age of 25 and 28 (2.6pc) tested positive and 1,971 were carried out on those over the age of 25 with 66 (3.3pc) coming back positive.

In December 2006 2,283 breath tests were conducted by Suffolk Constabulary and 101 (4.4pc) came back positive.

Inspector Trevor Sharman, of the force's roads policing unit, said: “I am pleased to say that of those who we breath tested a smaller percentage of motorists were found to be over the limit. This is good news because the message is hitting home.

“However disappointingly there were still 94 people who provided a positive breath test and therefore disregarded the advice of the police - putting not only their lives but also the lives of others at risk.

“The fact that they were caught should serve as a warning. If you think you won't get caught, you're wrong. Those who drink-drive will be arrested and will face the consequences of their actions.

“I don't see anything in these figures to make me think that we have to concentrate on one age group in particular. The message needs to be across the board - it's dangerous to get behind the wheel when you have consumed alcohol.”

Carole Whittingham, acting chairman of the Campaign Against Drink Driving (CADD), said she was encouraged by the figures, which indicate that Suffolk is bucking the national trend.

“What we are seeing generally is that drink driving numbers are going up so this is very encouraging,” she said. “The very big worry for a number of years has been the amount of young people who decide to take the risk to drink and drive.

“However, most young people in Suffolk seem to be getting the message. Having said that one drink driver is one too many regardless of what age they are. It's simple: if you drink don't drive and if you drive don't drink.”

Drink driving figures for the last three years

Year Number of breath tests Number of positive breath tests

2005 2161 139(6.4pc)

2006 2283 101 (4.4pc)

2007 3069 94 (3.0pc)