Police have hailed the results of a Christmas and new year drink-drive campaign in Bradford, which has seen the number of offences plunge.

Figures released by police yesterday, following Operation Ovaldale, show nine people were found to be over the drink-drive limit out of 571 motorists stopped.

That compared to 12 people arrested for being over the limit last year, from 509 drivers stopped.

Operation Ovaldale ran from December to January in the Bradford and Calderdale districts.

During the operation, roads policing officers teamed up with neighbourhood police teams to conduct morning and evening checks, carrying out tests where appropriate on those suspected of drink driving or being under the influence of drugs.

PC Andrew Gudgeon, of the Western Area Roads Policing Unit, which covers the two policing districts, said the figures were encouraging.

“Despite making more checks than in the same period last year, we are pleased to report that fewer people were over the drink- drive limit,” said PC Gudgeon.

“But although the message seems to have been heeded by many, there were still nine motorists who risked their own lives, and those of other road users, by getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

“Drink driving can have life-altering consequences. You’ll be banned from driving for at least 12 months and this could mean losing your job and having your family life disrupted.

“But if you were found guilty of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs you could be looking at 14 years in prison.”

PC Gudgeon added: “Don’t drink and drive – it simply isn’t worth it.”

The previous month, another police operation, which saw more than 1,650 drivers stopped across West Yorkshire, resulted in 19 arrests for drink driving in Bradford and Calderdale, along with 208 for not wearing seatbelts, 135 for speeding and 62 for using a mobile phone while driving.