Although more than 400 people were caught drink-driving in Northern Ireland over the festive period, the number is down on the previous year.

While welcoming the fall, one of NI's top cops, said today that those taking a chance by getting behind the wheel after having a drink in the future may face even greater penalties.

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland said the people caught began 2010 with the prospect of almost certainly losing their licences, and said that legislation is being considered to seize the vehicles for disposal.

Scottish law already targets repeat drink-driving offenders where they risk losing their car for good as it can be auctioned or destroyed.

He also said that the PSNI are backing the Stormont Roads Minister in his bid to further reduce the legal drink-drive limit.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, Mr McCausland also said that six of those facing bans were four times over the legal limit.

He said a total of 414 motorists tested positive by police who stopped and breathalysed 5,780 drivers – 13% fewer than the 2008 winter anti-driving offensive.

The youngest detected was aged 16, the oldest 80, according to the statistics. Police said 357 men and 57 women were detected.

He added: "They should count themselves lucky. They could have lost their own life or destroyed the lives of others had police not stopped them."

The Stormont Environment and Roads Minister Edwin Poots has hinted that the limit north of the border could be even lower than that proposed in the Irish Republic last year.

His comments followed a proposal by Irish Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to lower the legal level to 50mg per 100 ml of blood from the present 80mg.

"The consultation would indicate that there is widespread support in Northern Ireland for reducing the drink-drive limit," Mr Potts said.

"Someone who is driving at the current drink-drive limit is six times more likely to be involved in a car crash.

"There was a proposal that we might go down to 20mg for professional drivers or for young drivers.

"Again, once you go up to 50mg you are still four times more likely to be involved in an accident," he concluded.

A public consultation process on the drink-driving limit, penalties and police detection powers has ended and Department of Environment officials are reviewing the evidence.

Speaking today, the Minister added: "By carrying out increased road side testing over the festive period, the PSNI had a very visible presence on our roads.

"These efforts, together with the heightened DOE television and radio campaigns, are having the desired effect."

Mr Poots continued: "Although it is encouraging that the message of 'Never Ever Drink & Drive' is getting across, the number of road deaths is still unacceptable.

"I never fail to be shocked and disappointed that there are still those who continue to disregard the law and ignore their responsibilities to other road users," he concluded.

See: Drink-Drive Limit To Be Cut

(BMcC/GK)