A total of 139 drivers were arrested for drink driving in a road safety campaign from December 16 to January 2, up 53% on the same period a year earlier.

Police visited bars and restaurants throughout the city during the blitz and distributed 38,000 leaflets reminding motorists not to drive after drinking. A total of 732 motorists were invited to take voluntary breath tests.

Drink-drivers are liable to three years' jail, a $25,000 fine, to 10 driving-offence points, and may be disqualified from driving.