In total, 1,104,879 breath tests were carried out in 26 countries between 1 and 7 June, with one in 66 drivers tested being over the limit in this year’s operation. This compares with one in 63 last year and one in 59 in 2013.

TISPOL president Aidan Reid said: “Any time a person gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol is one time too many. These figures show that there are still people who think it’s acceptable to drink and drive. 

“Our message is clear. Don’t do it. Officers across Europe will continue to target drink-drivers all year round, so if you choose to take a risk by driving after drinking alcohol, then we will find you and bring you to justice because we will not tolerate the risk you pose to yourself and to other innocent road users who may be in your way.” 

The campaign also saw 2,752 drug offences recorded whilst officers also detected and dealt with offences connected with illegal immigration and human trafficking (116), drug-related crimes (598), firearms crimes (49), property crimes (136), wanted persons (181), and 1,436 other crimes.