THE percentage of people caught driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Gwent almost doubled over Christmas and New Year.

Between December 18 and January 2, 6.2% of drivers tested positive compared to 3.6% the previous Christmas.

In the latest clampdown, 1,063 motorists in Gwent were tested, compared to 1,592 over the 2001-2002 Christmas and New Year period.

Positive tests were up from 58 to 66 and positive tests after collisions more than doubled, from nine to 16 - 11.25% to 25.6%.

Four people in Gwent were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said yesterday: "It is hard to pinpoint the reason why there has been an increase in positive breath tests but we do target drink drivers as much as possible and this factor may go some way to explain the increase."

Across the whole of Wales, 5,064 tests were administered over the two-week period and 265 motorists discovered to be over the legal drink drive limit - a rise of 1.5% on last year.

Chief Inspector Peter Fouweather, head of Gwent's traffic operations, said: "It is very disappointing to see a rise in the figures this year but we will continue to focus on education initiatives and, when required, enforcement, to keep these figures down. He said officers were extra-vigilant over Christmas and New Year period, and most motorists did act responsibly.

He added: "We obviously still have a hard core of motorists who are so unconcerned with their own safety and that of others that they are willing to indulge in the criminal use of their vehicle.

"Our efforts do not stop here. We will carry on targeting the criminally irresponsible who drink and drive throughout the year."

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Horne, said: "The courts will provide a lesson to these individuals.

"We can only hope that others will also learn from their experience and see that driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs is something to be avoided."