Updated 10.45am

Not a single motorist was caught driving over the blood alcohol limit on New Year’s Eve, but police inspecting vehicles the following morning identified two drivers under the influence. 

Police in various localities including Attard, Burmarrad, Fgura, Floriana, San Ġwann, Sliema, St Julian’s, Swieqi, Rabat, Żabbar and Żejtun caught a total of 52 motorists breaking road rules on New Year's Eve. 

Inspections continued on the first day of the new year, with police officers catching a further 17 law-breakers, bringing the total number of people caught up to 69.

Although nobody was caught drink-driving during nighttime checks, morning inspections identified two such drivers, the police said at around 10.45am. 

One of those two tried to escape when ordered to stop his vehicle, but was apprehended a short while later. 

Other contraventions included driving without a valid licence or road insurance policy, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, driving vehicles with tinted glass or improper headlights.

Officers also came across motorists using their mobile phone while driving and others driving passenger transport vehicles without the appropriate permit.

Members of the police force's traffic and dog sections were involved in checks. 

The police did not say how many motorists were subjected to a breathalyser test or how many vehicles in total had been stopped for checks.

One year ago, police had tested five motorists of 558 they stopped on New Year’s Eve, with three of the five testing positive for drink-driving. 

Two years ago, police stopped more than 1,800 motorists but did not catch a single drink-driver.

According to local laws, police must have a reasonable suspicion that a driver is under the influence of alcohol for them to subject the motorist to a breathalyser test.