Some 245 people had been arrested by the police across the country for driving under the influence of liquor during a 24-hour search operation carried out between 6 am yesterday (11) to 6 am today (12), police said.

The police have filed 10,170 cases in relation to traffic offences.

Traffic DIG Ajith Rohana said nearly 25,000 breathalyser equipment used in measuring the blood alcohol content of drivers have been imported to Sri Lanka to be distributed among police stations countrywide.

He said the equipment would be used in special operations to nab drunk drivers especially during the National New Year period.

DIG Rohana said more than 8,000 police officers would be deployed for traffic duties and strict action would be taken against motorists found drunk at the wheel and those found speeding.

He said approximately 135 people had been killed and more than 750 people injured in road accidents reported during the festival period last year and advised motorists to be alert and vigilant this year in order to avoid a recurrence of this. (Sheain Fernandopulle)