Provisional figures released by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) show that a total of 396 drink driving arrests were made over the period, which is 114 more than during the same period in 2014/15.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “When we launched this operation at the end of November, we warned drivers not to take the risk because police are determined to catch drink drivers.

“While we have seen a huge increase in detections, it’s difficult to accept this situation as a success, we shouldn’t be detecting anyone drink driving.”

He added: “Across Northern Ireland there are nearly 400 people who took the risk and they were caught.

“They are lucky to be looking forward to a court appearance where they will most likely lose their driving license for one or more years, be fined, and will have great difficulty in obtaining car insurance in the future. Many also risk losing their jobs or going to jail. The alternative consequences had they not been caught do not bear thinking about.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan added: “My Road Traffic Amendment Bill, which was passed by the NI Assembly this week, provides for lower drink drive limits, a new penalty regime and powers for roadside check-points. I anticipate that these new arrangements will be introduced later this year.

“The signal is clear - it is unacceptable in today’s society to drink and drive. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to act responsibly by not putting their lives and the lives of other people at risk.”