Drink-drive statistics released from the festive period showed a decrease for a third consecutive year.

The figures of those testing positive in breath tests have continued to fall since Surrey Police’s Drive Smart campaign launched in September 2009.

A total of 1,663 roadside breath tests were carried out during this year’s campaign, which ran from December 1, last year, to January 1.

Of those tested, 51 people were over the legal drink-drive limit.

Inspector Richard Mallett said: “It is encouraging to see less and less of those we breathalyse testing positive for alcohol.

“However the fact remains that drink driving destroys lives and we will continue to target the selfish small minority who drink and drive on our roads putting so much at risk, for other road users, themselves and their families.

“Our work targeting and educating those who consider getting behind a wheel after a drink is not just for Christmas though and we will continue to take action against those who put other road users’ lives at risk through this selfish behaviour.”