SEVEN drivers had an unhappy start to 2002 when they were arrested for drink driving in the first five hours of the New Year.

Over the festive period divisional traffic police charged a total of 30 people after positive breath tests.

A unit spokesman said the fact that almost 25 per cent of the total motorists were over the limit in the early hours of New Year's Day, was disappointing.

The division administered 99 breath tests after crashes and of those three were positive, a figure slightly down on last year.

The overall number of people arrested during the period between December 18 and January 2 was slightly up on last year.

There were 38 injury collisions, more than last year, but the bad weather is said to be a possible factor.

Greater Manchester Police reported the number of drunk drivers fell by more than 20 per cent after an intensive campaign to persuade drinkers to stay off the roads.

There were 420 injury collisions and 1069 people were breathalysed. Of these 62 provided a positive specimen.

This compares favourably with last year when 1037 drivers were involved in 452 injuries and 78 people were arrested.

Force road safety officer Geoff Minshull said: "We find the county figures very encouraging as they appear to demonstrate that people are finally getting the message about the dangers of drinking and driving.

"This year's bad weather should have resulted in more collisions, but it would appear that people have acted responsibly and have driven safely.

"We must not forget that although particular attention is paid to those who drink and drive at Christmas, this is a problem that occurs all year round. The consequences can be so severe that I would urge anyone, no matter what time of year, to think before they drink when they know they have to drive."