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Men are up to five times more likely to be breath tested than women.

The bias is highest in West Yorks, West Mids and Cambridgeshire, says research by insurers Direct Line.

But on average in England and Wales men are still more than three times likely to be stopped.

Women drivers account for just 23% of all roadside breath tests, yet 7% of women failed the breathalyser in the year to August compared to 10% of men.

And 14% admitted driving over the limit because they did not expect to be caught.

Direct Line boss Gus Park said: “Many female motorists who admit drink driving cite a low risk of getting caught as a key reason, suggesting more could be done to discourage it.”

Labour’s Shadow Transport spokesman Richard Burden said: “Everyone knows there is a real risk of being caught – whatever their age, experience or gender.”

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at road safety charity Brake, told how a “worrying minority” of both women and men still think they can get away with drink driving.

She added: “If you’re driving this festive season, it’s vital you stay off the booze completely.”

In 2012, police conducted 682,558 b-tests, a quarter in December. But only 4% of Christmas tests were positive, compared to 11% year-round.