NEARLY a quarter of the region's drivers get behind the wheel after drinking above the legal limit, new research shows.

A survey commissioned by Privilege Insurance suggests that anti drink-driving messages are failing to hit home in the North-East.

The company said tens of thousands of people could be regularly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Of the motorists questioned, 12 per cent said they preferred to drive their cars after drinking instead of using public transport and one in ten said they would drink-drive because it was cheaper than ordering a taxi.

Twenty-two per cent claimed to drink and drive at least once a month, while 14 per cent said they had committed the offence more than 100 times in their lifetime.

Drivers in the North-West were the most likely to drink and drive, while those in the Midlands were the least likely.

Ian Parker, Privilege Insurance managing director, said: "The research findings reveal that drink-driving is still a serious problem in the UK.

"Many drivers do not realise the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol - even one pint of beer can lead to impaired judgement on the roads and motor accidents.

"We urge drivers to consider alternative methods of transport home if they have been drinking."