Kingston police arrested at least one person a day on suspicion of drink-driving during December, according to research.

The Metropolitan Police launched the crackdown operation which took place from December 1 to December 31, 2008, to catch those driving illegally over the holiday season.

Of the London boroughs, Kingston comes in fifth for largest number of people found to be over the legal limit as part of a random stop and search procedure.

With 39 arrests made from 105 stops, Kingston drivers stopped were, on average, suspected to be driving illegally 37 per cent of the time.

Chief Superintendent David Snelling, head of the traffic unit, said: “This campaign focused on the heightened risks during the festive period, but our work continues every day in targeting irresponsible drivers and making our roads safer for all Londoners.”

The figures only applied to people who were stopped randomly in Kingston. Of those tested automatically after they had been in a traffic accident, none tested positive for alcohol.