MORE than 170 drivers were arrested during Essex Police's 2014 Christmas Anti-Drink Drive campaign.
Officers were out in force across the county between December 1 and January 1, 2015, taking what they say was a "zero tolerance" approach to drink drivers.
A total 2,429 drivers were stopped and breathalysed and 143 were arrested either because they were driving over the legal limit or because they refused to supply a sample.
Of the 143, 32 were aged below 25 years old.
A further 32 were arrested over drug-driving offences.
Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, said: "It is always frustrating to see that, despite knowing the consequences, some drivers still consider themselves to be above the law by getting behind the wheel having knowingly consumed too much alcohol."
During the 2013 campaign, 3,409 drivers were breathalysed and 124 were arrested for driving over the limit or refusing or failing to give a sample of breath. Of those 124, 33 were under the age of 25.
Mr Pipe added: "Perpetual drink drivers will choose to drink and drive any day of the year so I want to ask for support from the public 365 days a year to help take them off the roads of Essex.
"Please help keep the county's roads safe by reporting drink drivers."
People can dial 999 if they know someone is getting behind the wheel drunk, or can call police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
