THE region's biggest police force says that a minority of drivers are willing to risk lives by driving after drinking.

During its six-week summer campaign against drinking and driving Northumbria Police says 62 of the 630 motorists breath-tested after collisions gave positive tests or refused to provide a sample.

And of the 782 tested without a collision, 138 were positive or refused the test.

Chief Inspector Kevin Wellden, of the force's operations department, said: "There are still people who think they will not get caught - and these are the people we will continue to target.

"It is reassuring that the majority of people take notice of the drink-driving message but the fact that 138 people routinely tested by officers failed the test shows we are focusing on the right people."

Drink-drivers face a minimum of a year's driving ban, a fine and huge increases in insurance premiums over the next ten years. In many cases, it can lead to them losing their job and even their home.

Chief Insp Wellden said: "Their actions can have even more tragic consequences, as they are putting their own and other people's lives at risk.

"Our message is simple - don't drink and drive. We breath-test all drivers involved in collisions, whatever the time of year, and are committed to targeting known drink-drivers."