THE number of motorists in Avon and Somerset arrested for drink driving over the festive period has fallen for the third consecutive year.

Figures show that 224 motorists were arrested for either refusing to take a breath test or testing positive after taking a breath test.

More than 16,000 drivers were stop checked throughout the Avon and Somerset Constabulary force area during the month-long high profile campaign.

In South Gloucestershire, a total of 34 drivers were arrested - one of them a 15-year-old boy who was arrested on New Year's Day after celebrating his birthday.

But it seems that more people than ever are heeding the warnings about the dangers of drink-driving with the number of arrests reducing by more than 100 in just two years.

In 2002, a total of 329 motorists were arrested for drink-related offences and last year saw 262 arrested.

Supt Lawrie Lewis, head of the force's Road Policing Unit, said he believed that the latest Operation Tonic initiative sent a strong message to motorists.

He said: "We have been proactive with the drink drive campaign and it has certainly paid off.

"Motorists who have been stop checked have been warned about the dangers of drink driving and given advice packs which also included information on car crime prevention.

"More than 1,500 pubs in the region were visited in person by road policing officers promoting the designated driver scheme and pub owners were asked to support the initiative by displaying anti drink drive posters.

"However, it is disappointing that 224 motorists continued to drink and drive and ignore advice from the police."

More than 100 motorists were arrested within two weeks of the campaign being launched on December 1.

Out of the 225 motorists arrested during Operation Tonic, the oldest driver was a 76-year-old man who was stopped in Somerset and the youngest was the 15-year-old in South Gloucestershire.

A total of 11 drivers were arrested on Christmas Day and seven on New Year's Day.

Supt Lewis added: "Although Operation Tonic has come to an end, Avon and Somerset Constabulary will continue to run anti-drink drive patrols throughout the year and we encourage members of the public to call the Crimestoppers line of 0800 555 111 if they suspect people of drinking and driving."