MERSEYSIDE police have released their drink drive figures for the Christmas and New Year period and declared the campaign - codenamed 'Operation Nemesis' - a massive success.

The aim of the campaign was to decrease the number of people killed or injured on Merseyside's roads during the festive season by means of highly-visible, widespread road checks.

Police officers from the Traffic Department, Area patrols and the Special Constabulary worked together to make this year's effort greater than ever before.

During the campaign, which ran from December 18 to January 2, more than 13,000 drivers were stopped compared with 11,000 last year. Police commented that the support of motorists stopped was tremendous.

There was a major reduction in the number of accidents where people where injured compared with the same period last year - 190 compared with 280.

Inspector Ian Beecham from Merseyside Police Traffic Department said: "It's always good to see that we have the full support of the community and this campaign has highlighted that they are behind us all the way. Any decrease in the number of accidents causing injuries is welcome, but to achieve such a large decrease is really encouraging. We like to think that as a result of these efforts someone is still alive and able to enjoy next Christmas. We'll continue with our anti-drink drive message throughout the year."

Inspector Beecham also acknowledged the support of Merseyside's five local authorities who acted in partnership with Merseyside Police during the campaign and throughout 1997.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.