The significant rise in the number of arrests for drink-driving in West Yorkshire suggests that the annual Christmas campaign to persuade people not to go over the limit has not had the desired effect.

Too many people are prepared to take the risk of having that one drink or sometimes several above the recommended amount.

Predictably and understandably, the figures released today have prompted calls for a new limit to be set at zero. That, though, would probably prove to be impractical. If there was literally no tolerance at all of alcohol in the breath or bloodstream, just half a dozen chocolate liqueurs at Christmas or a couple of helpings of sherry trifle could be enough to register in a breath test and lead to an arrest.

Low-alcohol lager, which many drivers are responsible enough to drink so as not to put themselves, their passengers or other road users at risk, would be out of the question for the trace of alcohol it contains to enhance its flavour.

Perhaps, though, this is a good time to look at the question of reducing the legal limit for alcohol in a driver's blood. Initially such a measure would probably lead to a further increase in the number of arrests among drivers continuing to follow the present guidelines.

Hopefully, though, the message from the tighter restrictions would soon be got across that drink-driving is irresponsible, dangerous and potentially lethal and that the best policy is not to drink at all if you are planning to drive.