Five drink drivers were detected in Magherafelt during the PSNI’s 2013/2014 winter anti-drink drive operation, figures reveal.

Four people were also caught drink driving in Limavady during the same period.

In G District – which takes in both Magherafelt and Limavady as well as Derry and Strabane, a total of 37 drivers were caught behind the wheel while over the limit.

The preliminary figures, which were released by the PSNI this morning, indicate that police detected and arrested 251 motorists for drink driving across the North during the operation, which ran from November 28, 2013 and January 2, 2014.

During the same period the previous year, 273 people were arrested.

The figure included motorists who were unfit to drive, or who were unable or refused to give a sample.

Of the 251 motorists detected, the youngest person was 15 and the oldest was 78.

194 were males and 57 were females.

The highest reading was 151mg – the legal limit is 35mg per 100ml of breath.

Announcing the figures, Head of Operations Branch, Superintendent David Moore said: “Once again, despite our warnings and highly visible police operations, 251 people still took the risk of killing or injuring themselves, their family, friends and other innocent road users by deciding to drive after drinking.

“While we welcome the fact that the vast majority of right thinking people realise that drink driving is shameful and unacceptable, clearly there is still an irresponsible minority who ignore all advice and warnings. Worryingly, this year we have also seen an increase in the number of women being detected – from 41 to 57.

“Our aim with this and every road safety initiative is to save lives and reduce injuries, which is why we ran operations day and night throughout the festive season and not just during the weekends or key dates.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.