THE number of drink-driving arrests in Swindon over Christmas has more than doubled compared with the same period last year.

In total, 26 drink-drivers were arrested between 6am on December 18 and 6am on January 2 compared with just 12 last year.

These figures combine roadside tests and mandatory testing after accidents.

The number of motorists testing positive after crashes doubled to six.

But despite these figures, released yesterday, police have hailed the festive campaign a success, while admitting there is still some way to go to beat the scourge of drink driving.

Across the county, police breath-tested 281 drivers involved in collisions over Christmas. Of these, 12 were arrested for providing positive readings seven fewer than last year. And the number of injuries caused by road accidents also fell by seven, to 74.

"The increase in the number of arrests over Christmas and the New Year period is an illustration that if drivers are prepared to take risks then they stand a very good chance of being stopped and arrested," said Sgt Dave Melvin, Wiltshire's road safety officer.

"We have had members of the public ring in and give us details of drivers because they are concerned.

"The reduction in the numbers of drivers arrested after road collisions is pleasing, as is the reduction of injury road collisions. In fact, had it not been for four arrests on New Year's Eve, the results would have been significantly better.

"We do feel that the relatively mild weather during most of the period played a part in keeping the injury collisions down. However, the figure of 12 arrests supports our previously held view that there is still work to be done by us and other agencies to persuade some people not to drink and drive and we will continue our efforts in that respect.

"We enforce the drink-driving laws every day of the year, not just at Christmas. Last year, some 6,000 drivers were stopped and breath tested, which resulted in around 1,100 positive tests. Drivers should be aware that if they continue to ignore the law they will be arrested."

Giles Sheldrick