MORE than 200 drivers were arrested in December for getting behind the wheel after having a festive drink.

Operation Tonic, Avon and Somerset's Christmas drink drive campaign, arrested 207 people, of which 27 were in South Gloucestershire.

Operation Tonic ran from December 1 to December 31, 2009 and saw officers throughout Avon and Somerset carry out stop-checks and increase patrols in hotspot areas, including more isolated locations and rat runs.

During December more than 30,000 motorists were stopped and 4,400 breathalysed.

Chief Inspector Polly King, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "We have increased our efforts to highlight the consequences of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs this year, having stopped more motorists than ever before.

"The initiative was welcomed by local drivers who understood the importance of taking steps to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

"Our advice to drivers is not to get behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol at all, as research shows that even one drink can impair your driving, motorists just shouldn't take the risk."

In Avon and Somerset, five people lost their lives in 2008 and 267 were injured as a result of drink-drive collisions.

If caught drink-driving, a driver can lose their licence, receive a £5,000 fine and even face a prison sentence.

Anyone who suspects someone of drink-driving should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 456 7000.