SENIOR traffic cops reacted with disappointment today after catching 37 drink-drivers in only nine days in North Yorkshire.

The force's get-tough policy on Christmas drink-driving netted the breath test failures following a county-wide operation.

"That is not many as a proportion of the vast number of vehicles that drive in and through North Yorkshire every day, but it is still very disappointing," said road policing inspector Chris Charlton.

"What that figure means is that there is still a hard core of drivers who think they know better than all the experts who have hard evidence that drink and driving is a lethal combination.

"This force intends to continue hunting down this arrogant minority, and to get them off the roads."

Traffic officers have conducted 19 static drink-drive checks across the county between December 13 and December 22. Nearly 500 drivers and riders have been breath-tested at static checks, by patrolling officers or after collisions.

Five of those who tested positive did so after being involved in accidents.

"It's not good enough," said Insp Charlton.

"We will continue our effort to get these people off our roads, with patrols, breath-tests of every single driver involved in an accident and - especially - static checks.

"They can be on any road, at any time, and we are particularly aware of "morning after" drivers - those who set out with the previous night's alcohol still in their system.

"The overwhelming majority of people are strongly against drink-driving, and we are extremely pleased with the support they are showing to our action," he said.

Updated: 14:27 Thursday, December 23, 2004