The number of drivers arrested for drink driving over Christmas has decreased from last year.

The number of drivers arrested in Hertfordshire from December 1, 2013 to January 1 2014 was 87, compared to 127 last year.

1,494 motorists in Hertfordshire were breathalysed by road policing officers as part of a joint Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council campaign to tackle drink and drug driving in the Christmas period.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, David Lloyd, said: "While the figures show that the vast majority of motorists do the sensible thing and don’t drink drive, there is a minority that do drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel of a car.

"Not only are they putting their own lives and safety in danger but also that of other law-abiding drivers and pedestrians too.

"I’ve made it a priority to tackle all forms of dangerous driving and drink driving is no exception. This joint police and county council campaign shows how local authorities can work together to help protect Hertfordshire residents."

The national campaign was run locally by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit (RPU) and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chief Inspector Richard Hann, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Roads Policing Unit, said: "Whether the figures go up or down year on year it is always a concern that there are still people putting themselves and others at risk by drinking and taking drugs before driving and we will continue to target now the festivities are over.

"There's no excuse for drinking and driving. If you do go out for a drink, never try to calculate whether you're under the legal limit. Arrange a safe way to get home, such as a lift from a trusted friend who hasn't been drinking, or use a registered taxi."

The campaign also coincided with the launch of a new reporting line and webpage, which is a dedicated number for Hertfordshire residents to report to police drivers who they suspect have been drinking.

Residents are asked to report people they suspect are regular drink drivers using the website in the first instance, however if they believe someone is drink driving now and needs immediate police attendance then they are urged to call the reporting line 01707 354111.

The reporting line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls to it will be handled by police officers and staff within the Force Control Room.