More than 400 people were caught drink driving in Northern Ireland over Christmas and the New Year, it was revealed today.
Six of those facing bans were four times over the legal limit.
A total of 414 motorists tested positive. Police stopped and breathalysed 5,780 drivers - 13 per cent fewer than the 2008 winter anti-driving offensive.
The youngest detected was aged 16, the oldest 80, according to the new statistics. Police said 357 men and 57 women were detected.
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said they begin 2010 with the prospect of almost certainly losing their licences.
He added: “They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them.
“While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Whilst the current publicity campaign has ended, the detection of drink driving will remain a year-round priority for police.”
PA