LATEST figures from Essex Police's annual summer offensive against drink-drivers reveal a drop in the number of people testing positive.But they also show an average of four drivers a day still being caught over the limit.

LATEST figures from Essex Police's annual summer offensive against drink-drivers reveal a drop in the number of people testing positive.

But they also show an average of four drivers a day still being caught over the limit.

For the first two weeks in August, 2,982 breath tests were carried out by the force and about 2%, or 61, were positive.

That compares to more than 4% during the same period in 2004.

Traffic officers based at Bocking tested 340 drivers and seven returned positive samples, while colleagues at Stanway, who cover Tendring and Colchester, pulled over 551 motorists, 11 of whom were over the limit.

Chelmsford officers, meanwhile, asked 217 drivers to provide a breath test, catching out seven.

The most prolific traffic unit was Chigwell, whose officers patrol Harlow and the M11.

They tested 1,279 people in the two-week period, although only 1% (17) broke the law.

Essex Police launched its summer offensive to hit home the message that its drink-driving purge was year-round, not just during Christmas.

The force's officers will continue to patrol Essex roads throughout August.

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Morgan said: “These campaigns are not about arrests, they are about trying to educate people about the tragedy that drink-driving can cause, not only to those who are killed by drink drivers but also their friends and families.

“Those who ignore this message because of their selfishness and lack of regard for others should not forget how their own lives can be affected by drink driving.

“Aside from the heavy financial penalties, there is the court appearance, the prospect of a criminal record and the possibilities of losing a licence, a livelihood and in some cases your freedom.”