Police are reporting nearly 18,000 positive breath tests after conducting more than 900,000 across Europe in a seven-day, summer crackdown on drink driving.

Motorists were also checked for drugs in the operation, organised by the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL).

In total, 928,863 drivers were tested and there were 17,970 alcohol offences and 2,773 drug offences detected.

The legal limit for drink driving varies from country to country.

In addition, during the operation, police officers detected a total of 3,369 other crimes, including 277 drug detections, 47 cases of human trafficking and 27 firearms offences.

TISPOL president Pasi Kemppainen said: “Drug-driving and drink-driving remain significant contributory factors in road deaths.

“We have made progress in helping make more and more road users aware of the dangers of driving after taking drugs or alcohol, or both.

“TISPOL remains committed to a partnership approach, working with other road safety stakeholders, governments and road safety organisations to provide effective deterrent messages.”

Results from the June operation brought a number of significant statistics:

In Hungary, where the alcohol limit is zero, 156 drivers were detected with alcohol levels of up to 0.5mg/l (the limit in most of Europe) with a further 146 drivers detected above this level.

In Portugal, of the 892 drivers found to be over the drink-drive limit, 268 provided readings above 1.2g/l (more than twice the legal limit).

In France, 77g of cannabis resin was seized, as well as 3.87g of marijuana, 5g of heroin and a further 1.2kg of cannabis leaves.