More than 200 drivers were arrested for drink or drugs driving in Avon and Somerset over the Christmas and New Year period, 2011/12.

A total of 231 people gave positive breath or drugs tests during the Operation Tonic campaign that ran from December 1 to Jan 1.

They could now face six months in prison, a driving ban of up to 12 months, a criminal record and may lose their jobs and find it difficult to obtain car insurance.

Police say they are disappointed that so many drivers ignored repeated warnings and chanced getting behind the wheel while under the influence. During the same period last year 150 people were arrested.

"Our New Year message is that drink and drug driving is unacceptable – and we are determined to catch people who put themselves and others in danger," said Chief Inspector John Holt, of Avon and Somerset Police's Operations and Roads Policing Unit.

During Operation Tonic a total of 11,984 vehicles were stopped and drink driving advice was given by officers. Of those stopped 1771 were given breath or drugs tests.

Of the 231 drivers arrested, 13 were for drugs driving.

For the first time in Avon and Somerset, people were asked to use their mobile phone to report drink or drug drivers. A total of 50 text messages were received and investigated.

People were asked to text the word drunk to 81819 and send in information about someone who has got behind the wheel when they are under influence of drink or drugs. The messages went straight to the police communications centre, where they were dealt with in the same way as an emergency 999 call.

Chief Inspector Holt said: "We are very encouraged by the number of people who used the text system, and the many more who expressed their support. It is very likely that we will repeat it during the next Operation Tonic campaign in the summer.

"We take drink and drug driving seriously all year round, and we are always keen for people to tell us if they suspect that someone is about to get behind the wheel when they clearly should not.

"Our message remains the same – don't drink and drive. But we would also like to take this opportunity to praise the majority of drivers in Avon and Somerset who have listened to Operation Tonic advice to leave the car behind if they intend to drink."