POLICE said they were "encouraged" by the early results of their Christmas drink-drive campaign.Figures from the first five days of the annual campaign showed 16 out of 330 drivers who were asked to provide a breath sample tested positive for alcohol at the scene.

POLICE said they were "encouraged" by the early results of their Christmas drink-drive campaign.

Figures from the first five days of the annual campaign showed 16 out of 330 drivers who were asked to provide a breath sample tested positive for alcohol at the scene. One person was arrested after refusing to take a breath test.

That represents 4.9% of the motorists stopped between 6am on Thursday, December 18 and 6am on Tuesday. The figure for the same period last year was 7.8%

Chief Insp Alan Pawsey, of the Suffolk Traffic Unit, said: "I'm encouraged by these figures and it appears the message is getting through.

"Suffolk police run a drink and drive campaign 365 days of the year. The people of Suffolk can be assured that we are making every effort to get drivers whose reactions are adversely affected by drink or drugs off our roads.

"We want everyone get home safely this Christmas. Our message is simple if you have a drink or take drugs – including prescription medicine that carries a warning about driving – then don't drive.

"Remember alcohol and drugs can still be in your body and impair your ability to drive a considerable time after they are consumed.

"If you think you can drink until 3am and drive at 8am, you could be in for a shock."

He added: "This year, we are appealing to people to take responsibility for themselves and also for their friends, to plan evenings out in advance and to ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the night.

"People who choose to walk home after having a drink also need to be careful – use well lit roads with footpaths and wear light coloured, preferably reflective outer clothing to ensure that you can be seen. Walk facing oncoming traffic.

"All drivers need to be mindful of revellers making their way home on foot on unlit roads late at night during the festive season."