Drink-drive figures 'disappointing'

Gwent had the largest number of drink-driving cases

Almost a quarter of drivers breathalysed following accidents in Gwent were over the limit during Christmas and the New Year.

It was the highest percentage anywhere in Wales and England.

But there were more drink-driving incidents on the roads despite police and government campaigns.

Senior police officers are blaming the chaos on the railways for the overall increase in drink-driving.

The figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officers reveal that nationally more than seven per cent of motorists tested positive following an accident over the Christmas holiday period.

Fewer crashes

Gwent had the largest proportion of drink-driving cases but the actual numbers show that only 13 out of 56 were over the limit.

A spokesman for Gwent Police said the force was disappointed but the same statistics show that the total number of crashes have dropped appreciably.

Elsewhere in Wales, the three other forces breath-tested many more drivers following a collision but fewer were over limit.

There were 5.2% in South Wales, 3.9% in the Dyfed-Powys area and 4.16% in the North Wales police area.

Positive tests

The figures were taken from 18 December to 2 January by every police force in England and Wales.

All drivers involved in accidents were breathalysed.

The percentage of those over the limit was worked out from the total number of positive tests divided by the total number of drivers tested.

Positive breath tests include instances where a driver refused or failed to provide a breath test.