Police are encouraged by the numbers which show drink-driving rates are declining, however, with 25,000 caught in a year; drink-driving and drug-driving are still key issues.

The statistics show that there has been a decrease of 1406 drivers charged with drug-driving, and a decrease of 1562 charged with drink-driving.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the State's Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said the figures indicate some road users are getting the message, however, there are still too many who drink or take drugs and drive.

"A decline in drink and drug-driving, shows that the message is starting to get across, and that the community will not tolerate those who put themselves and others at risk,” he said.

“However, it is still alarming to see that there were more than 17,000 drink-drivers, and more than 8000 drug-drivers on our roads in the last financial year.

“Every one of those drivers or riders have shown a complete lack of regard for not only their own life, but the lives of all others using the road.

"Evidence is clear that drink and drug-drivers are costing lives on NSW roads.

“We will not stop, and we make no apologies for catching and prosecuting anyone who thinks it’s okay to drink or take drugs and drive.”

The ten worst suburbs throughout the State for drink driving during the financial year were:

1. Byron Bay (205)

2. Coffs Harbour (176)

3. Dubbo (155)

4. Griffith (144)

5. Port Macquarie (144)

6. Goulburn (99)

7. Ballina (85)

8. Blacktown (83)

9. Orange (81)

10. Tweed Heads (79).

The ten worst suburbs throughout the State for drug-driving during the financial year were:

1. Armidale (174)

2. Port Macquarie (152)

3. Goulburn (145)

4. Liverpool (113)

5. Nowra (107)

6. Taree (104)

7. Mudgee (87)

8. South Tamworth (79)

9. Young (77)

10. Griffith (75).