Gwent Police breathalysed almost 2,000 motorists during its recent Christmas drink drive crackdown – 4,000 less than the previous year.
The four week campaign ran from December 1 2012 to January 1 2013.
Across Wales, 35,000 breath tests were carried out – up from around 27,000 last year – with 502 being positive and failed or refused to supply, a drop of 43 compared to 2011.
The all Wales campaign was led by South Wales Police.
In the Gwent force area, 1,935 tests were carried out with 39 positive, failed or refused to provide.
Inspector Lee Ford, of Gwent Police, said: “It is disappointing to see that some people continue to ignore the dangers to themselves and others and get behind the wheel after drinking. Although the majority are responsible drivers we still detected 39 offenders during December.
“We took are targeted approach to the campaign and stopped many drivers thanks to information provided by members of the public.
“The public’s support is invaluable in helping to keep our roads safe from drink and drug drivers and I would like to thank everyone for their continued help. We need to work with the public to make drink driving socially unacceptable because it costs lives.
“I would appeal for people to provide us with information throughout the year because our campaign against drink driving isn’t just for the Christmas period.”
Gwent Police has been asked to respond about the drop in the number of drivers tested.