Essex Police have reported an increase in those testing positive for being over the drink-drive limit over Christmas.

Officers breathalysed 3,263 people during December, and 126 people were over the alcohol limit (35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath), or refused or failed to produce a sample.

That’s 3.8 per cent of those tested, which is up on the same time last year of 2.95 per cent.

Casualty reduction manager for Essex Police Adam Pipe said: “This year’s figures show an increase of the numbers from last year, which is obviously very disappointing.

“Despite widespread publicity of our campaign and high visibility policing there are still a large number of people who will risk, not only their own lives, but those of others by drinking and driving.”