The campaign, which was organised by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL) and saw a record 29 TISPOL member countries take part, also helped uncover more than 2,500 other crimes, including drug possession, firearms, human trafficking and stolen goods.

Speaking out about the results of the campaign, TISPOL emphasised that the issue of drink and drug-driving remains paramount and that in addition to providing deterrent messages, police officers across Europe are patrolling the roads all year round.

President Koen Ricour added: ‘The impact of losing a loved one due to the selfish actions of a drink or drug-driver is unimaginable, and we are committed to doing all we can to bring down the number of casualties. Central to this is finding and punishing those people who chose to ignore the rules and drive after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

‘We urge every driver to be sober and “clean” on every journey. It is the opinion of police across Europe that even one drink-driver is one too many. That’s why, if you’re planning to have a drink, you must make alternative arrangements for getting home.’