The Serbian Traffic Police fined almost 12,000 drivers across the country over the New Year holiday, the Internal Affairs Ministry (MUP) said in a press release on Tuesday.

The traffic police stepped up its control of drivers over the holiday, checking for violations of speed limits, driving while intoxicated, failure to use seat belts and fined or otherwise punished 11,888 drivers, it said.

The press release said that the police found 1,159 intoxicated drivers who were ordered out of their vehicles with 226 ordered into detoxification because of high alcohol levels. Another 5,685 drivers were fined for exceeding speed limits and 1,935 for failing to use safety belts.

The police will continue the operation to January 10 to cover Orthodox Christmas, the press release said.