A POLICE traffic chief has expressed concern that a small proportion of motorists continue to flout drink-drive regulations.

Inspector Paul Goundry, head of the Durham Police's road policing unit, was speaking yesterday after the release of Christmas drink-driving figures, which showed a small increase in County Durham and Darlington.

Although the percentage of failed tests in the force area remains below the national average, Insp Goundry is concerned that a number of hardened drink-drivers are still prepared to put their licence at risk, as well as the well-being of themselves and fellow road users.

Traffic officers in Durham administered 1,605 breath tests during the period of December 12 to 31, with 124 drivers failing - giving a "hit-rate" of 7.7 per cent.

This compares to 65 failed results from 947 breath tests, a 6.7 per cent hit-rate, in the previous year, when the measured period was between December 18 and January 2.

Insp Goundry said: "We would like to think there were more positive breath tests because we are targeting persistent drink-drivers through our intelligence gathering processes. However, I have a real concern that public attitudes are changing.

"Despite all the publicity over the years, it seems a growing number of people are prepared to drive after having a drink, despite being warned repeatedly of the threat that poses to themselves and other road users."

In Northumbria, 1,639 breath tests were carried out during December, which produced 228 positive results.

Figures released on Tuesday by North Yorkshire Police showed 180 failed breath tests out of 3,381 - a fall on the previous year, while Cleveland's figures were up from 78 failed tests to 127.

Nationally, more than 9,000 motorists were arrested in England and Wales for drink-driving during the festive period.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said there were 133,136 drivers tested over four weeks, of whom 9,275 - just under seven per cent - tested positive.