MORE than 500 drivers failed breath tests during a two-month drink drive campaign - with police saying the figure is too high.

Durham and Northumbria Police launched the joint operation in August to highlight the fact that drink driving is not just a seasonal problem.

Officers held roadside spot-checks and random breath tests, as well as educating people about the dangers of driving under the influence.

Results announced yesterday, revealed Durham Police had conducted a total of 4,789 breath tests with 187 drivers either providing positive breath tests or failing to give breath samples.

In Northumbria, 328 drivers provided either positive tests or failed to produce a breath sample from 1,730 tests.

Durham Police took a broad approach in targeting drivers, while Northumbria Police focused on known and potential offenders.

Chief Inspector Brian Ruddick, of Durham's Traffic Department, said: "The figure is too high. Drink driving is not the seasonal problem people think it is, and that is why it's necessary to hold this kind of campaign.

"This two-month campaign reinforced a long-held police view that drinking and driving was not just a seasonal problem.

"Part of the problem is that people who may have had a drink the night before and are stopped on their way to work the next day are surprised to find themselves over the limit, which is a message that we have been hammering at for a long time.

"Offenders should be warned that even though this campaign is at an end, the breath testing will continue throughout the year."

Chief Inspector Mick Hassen, of Northumbria Motor Patrols, said targeting offenders had paid off with one in five drivers in his force area providing positive tests.

He said: "I'm sure we have the support of the public in our efforts to save lives by targeting the selfish idiots who drink and drive.

"Northumbria Police are committed to making the North-East a safer place in which to live and work. This campaign is a continuation of this philosophy.

"We will continue to target criminal activity such as drinking and driving and with the support of the public and the courts will show that this behaviour is not acceptable.