More than eight per cent of motorists stopped by police in Oxfordshire tested positive, during a summer clampdown on drink driving by Thames Valley Police.

A total of 62 of 751 drivers stopped in the county were arrested for drink driving.

Across the Thames Valley Police force area, the proportion of positive results for drink or drugs was even higher with 319 of 2,831 drivers stopped - about 11 per cent - arrested during the campaign, which ran throughout June and July,

In Oxfordshire, none of the drivers stopped was tested for drugs because no-one was suspected of driving while being under the influence of drugs.

On average 24 people are killed and 119 are seriously injured on roads in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire every year as a result of drink-driving.

Supt Neil Olney, head of roads policing, said: "This campaign was very successful, with a high arrest rate.

"It sends out a clear message that we are proactively targeting those who risk their lives and others by drinking and driving.

"However, these results reinforce our fears that too many drivers are still taking the risk of drinking and driving.

"They also indicate that if you risk it, you stand a very good chance of being caught."

Between January 1 and March 31, this year, there were 31 alcohol-related accidents in Oxfordshire. Throughout 2003 there were 219, and in 2002 there were 265.

The force says June has one of the highest alcohol-related collision rates, with an average of 52 incidents in the three counties it covers.

Although the operation is over, police have warned that are still determined to tackle drink-driving.

On average, Thames Valley Police arrests 17 drink-drivers every day.

Supt Olney added: "My message is clear: have none for the road, for your own sake and the sake of others."

Zoe Stow, spokesperson for road victim group RoadPeace, said: "There has been an enormous investment in educating the public about drink-driving and enforcement of the law, so it's very disappointing that people are still breaking the law."

As well as mounting their regular patrols equipped with breath-testing kits, police use tip-offs from the public to help catch drink-drivers in the act.

Anyone who knows of someone who drinks and drives is urged to call the police on 08458 505505 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.