More officers were out stopping cars over the festive period

Officers were asked to remain vigilant over the festive period and stopped 127% more vehicles than during 2005/06.

Despite the huge increase in the number of drivers tested, arrests fell by 45% and charges dropped by a third.

The Isle of Man Constabulary said the problem was not just seasonal and pledged it would remain vigilant.

Crime falls

"We have stopped more vehicles, breath tested more drivers and pleasingly the majority have been negative which has resulted in fewer arrests," said a spokesman.

"This indicates that the overall message in the media, together with the initiatives of the neighbourhoods (policing teams) has been received by the vast majority of the public."

Overall, figures show that recorded crime fell by 15% in the 2006/07 festive period on the island.

The number of people arrested for being drunk or public order offences soared by 34%.

But although arrests were up, reports of incidents of disorder, assault and other crimes actually went down.