A police traffic chief has expressed his concern that a small proportion of motorists continue to flout drink-drive regulations.

Inspector Paul Goundry, head of the Durham force's road policing unit, was speaking after yesterday's release of Christmas drink drive figures, which showed a small increase in County Durham and Darlington.

Although the percentage of failed tests in the force area remains below the national average, Insp Goundry believes a number of hardened drink drivers are still prepared to put their licence at risk, as well as the well-being of themselves and fellow road users.

Traffic officers in Durham administered a total of 1,605 breath test on motorists over the period from December 12 - 31, with 124 drivers failing, giving a "hit-rate" of 7.7 per cent.

This compares to 65 failed results from 947 breath tests, a 6.7 per cent hit-rate, in the previous year, when the stipulated period was between December 18 and January 2.

Insp Goundry said: "We would like to think there were more positive breath tests because we are, through our intelligence gathering processes, targeting persistent drink drivers.

"However, I have a real concern that public attitudes are changing.

"Despite all the publicity over the years it seems a growing number of people are prepared to drive after having a drink, despite being warned repeatedly of the threat that poses to themselves and other road users."

In Northumbria, there were 1,639 breath tests carried out during December, which produced 228 positive results.

Figures released on Tuesday by North Yorkshire Police showed 180 failed breath tests out of a total of 3,381 carried out - a fall on the previous year, while Cleveland's figures were up from 78 failed tests to 127.

Nationally more than 9,000 motorists were arrested in England and Wales for drink-driving during the festive period.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said there were 133,136 drivers tested over four weeks, of whom just under 7% tested positive (9,275). .