Sussex Police have accused drivers of being "selfish" after Christmas drink-drive figures showed no improvement.

Across the county 1,471 breath tests and ten drug impairment tests were carried out in December.

These resulted in 88 or six per cent positive tests for alcohol and of the ten drug impairment tests carried out, six were positive.

Inspector Phil Clarke, of the force Roads Policing Department, said: "This reflects a similar situation to last year and is a clear indication that some drivers are still intent on risking their own and other people's lives for the sake of selfish pleasure. These drivers represent a serious threat to public safety and we urge everyone to assist us in making drinking and driving as socially unacceptable as theft or any other criminal activity."

For the first time, police in December could make drivers undergo old-fashioned impairment tests to determine whether they were under the influence of drugs. Previously, drivers agreed to take them voluntarily.

If a breath test shows a driver is under the drink-drive limit but police are still suspicious, they can check eyes for pupil constriction, indicating the presence of opiates, and use other tests including asking the driver to walk a straight line, touch their nose with their eyes closed and then stand on one leg.

If the driver fails, they will be arrested and will undergo a blood test for drugs.

Mr Clarke said drivers needed to remember it was not just illegal drugs that could impair them. He added: "Some prescription drugs including some hay fever remedies and anti-depressants could also impair."

He said 2005 was the first time the number of drug-drivers were recorded separately and he warned that police would crack down just as hard on drug-drivers as those who drink.

He said: "Sussex Police will continue to robustly enforce drink-drug driving legislation throughout 2006 as this is not just a seasonal problem.

"Most drivers know the effects that alcohol has on their ability to drive safely and be able to react properly to situations. Driving under the influence of drugs, whether prescribed medication or illegal substances, is just as dangerous.

"It is also against the law and it greatly increases your chances of being involved in a collision. People who drink and drive face penalties of a minimum one year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and six months jail.

"Anyone responsible for the death of someone when driving whilst unfit through either drugs or drink faces a prison sentence of up to 14 years."