“There won’t be any traffic around” or “I’ve had food so the alcohol will be soaked up” are among the most heard excuses from Oxfordshire’s drink drivers.

Partygoers are being warned to think before they drink and organise alternative transport home if they plan to hit the bar.

Police launched their month-long Operation Tipple on Wednesday to help keep the county’s drink and drug drivers off the roads. They began by pulling over parents on the school run, commuters and van drivers in Sunderland Avenue, North Oxford, to check their breath for booze.

Last year, 1, 321 Oxfordshire motorists were breathalysed and police are hoping similar numbers will be reminded of their responsibilities.

This week, the Government revealed designated drivers will be offered buy-one get-one-free deals on soft drinks in 8,000 pubs across the country to help stop the problem.

Michael Kitchen, 42, from Finstock, near Witney, was one of about 120 drivers pulled over on Wednesday morning.

He got the all-clear.

He said: “I last had a drink two years ago. I’m fine with being pulled over, but it needs to be done all year round.”

Father-of-four James Down, 40, from East Challow, said: “I think it’s a good thing, there are quite a few people out this time of year who have been out drinking and when you drink you are not as sharp as you should be.

“I don’t drink, but I’m all for this campaign.”

Matthew Evans, 34, of Witney, added: “I haven’t had a drink for about a fortnight. I have been in social situations where I’ve stopped friends from getting in their car when they’ve had a drink.”

Pc Matt Clarke said: “We’ve heard all the excuses, the one that sticks in my mind was one man who thought it was okay to drink and drive at night but not in the day. Most people take it on the chin or they say they were willing to take the chance.”

Less than six per cent of people tested across the Thames Valley last year tested positive for alcohol.

Drink drivers face losing their licence for at least 12 months, prison for six months or a fine of up to £5,000.

Supt Rob Povey, head of roads policing in the Thames Valley, said: “If you are going out and know you will be drinking, organise alternative transport or a designated driver to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the festive period safely.”