BD13 – which includes Cullingworth and Denholme – has been revealed as the postcode area with the highest rate of drink-drivers in Bradford district.

According to figures collated by Money Supermarket, 2.88 drivers in every 1,000 in that area declare they have a drink-driving conviction on their insurance applications.

The area with the second highest rate is BD10 (Eccleshill, Idle and Thackley), at 2.39 drivers per 1,000, followed by BD22 with 2.35, BD14 with 2.09, and BD19 with 1.99.

The area in the district with the lowest rate was BD7, which contains Great Horton, Lidget Green, Scholemoor, Horton Bank Top and Horton Grange, with 0.29 per 1,000. Other areas with a low rate were BD6 with 0.52, BD15 with 0.55, BD2 with 0.58, and BD5 with 0.59.

Councillor Paul Cromie said he could not think of any specific reasons why the BD13 area was affected more than others.

He said: “I would not have expected it. I would tell people simply do not do it. We have plenty of taxi firms, or I’d suggest to have a designated driver if you are going out.

“You must not drink and drive as you not only put your life at risk but also other people’s lives in danger.”

The figures have been revealed as West Yorkshire Police launch their festive drink-driving campaign.

The initiative is labelled Not the Usual Suspects, to challenge a common perception that offenders are predominantly young men.

Sergeant Gary Roper, of the roads policing support unit, said: “Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is always a significant danger.

“But, at Christmas the risks are even more prevalent with darker nights, bad weather and sadly, more people taking the risk by drinking or using drugs and then getting behind the wheel.

“On average, we stop four people a day on suspicion of drink or drug driving offences. Last December, that number doubled to an average of eight people a day. That is a staggering increase.

“Statistically, young men continue to form a large proportion of those whom we stop for drink-driving. However we are seeing more and more men - and increasingly women - aged over 35 who are drink driving, many with the attitude ‘it’ll never happen to me’. Drink-drivers are people from all backgrounds, ethnicity and genders.”

He warned that a conviction for driving under the influence of drink or drugs would lead to a criminal record, a driving ban of at least a year and a fine of up to £5,000.

"The effect of a drink-driving conviction can be devastating," he added.

"Drivers are three times more likely to die in a road traffic collision if they have been drinking.

"In my time as an officer, I have seen people lose their job, career and relationships.

"If you're going out to drink any amount please leave your car keys at home or allocate a designated driver.

"Driving after having a drink is simply not worth the risk."

Supporting the campaign is West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

He said: "I hope it will help to remind people of what's important at this time of year and it certainly isn't worth risking your health, freedom, life or the lives of innocent people around you.

"We want to ensure everyone has a great time over this festive period and that no-one is affected by a drink or drug driver."