The crackdown follows last year's highly successful enforcement activity, which saw more drivers than ever being stopped over the holiday period. During the campaign 223,423 drivers were tested, resulting in more than 7500 arrests.

Minister for Transport, Mike Penning said: 'Drivers should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel after drinking this Christmas, they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

'Christmas should be a time for a celebration not a night in the cells. We are running our Driver Friendly campaign to reward designated drivers as well as reminding motorists of the consequences of getting a drink drive conviction.

'Last year 380 people were killed in accidents where the driver was over the limit. That is why our message is clear: don't drink and drive.'

The Christmas campaign runs from 1 December 2010 to 1 January 2011.