The number of drink drivers on Britain’s roads is expected to soar during the recession, a new survey has revealed.

According to the survey conducted by Direct Line Car Insurance, more Brits are likely to drive home after consuming more than a couple of drinks rather than jumping in a taxi.

The survey revealed that 1.3 million Brits may opt out of travelling home via a taxi as a bid to save taxi costs during the current financial downturn.

Instead, drivers may risk increasing their car insurance premiums and facing large fines by drink driving.

The poll found that 18-34 year old drivers are the most likely to drink before getting behind the wheel, after eight per cent of those within the age group admitted that they could be convinced into drink driving as a bid to save on additional taxi costs.

This figure compares to just three per cent of 34-55 year old drivers and one per cent of those over 55 years who stated that they would be tempted to drink drive in order to cut back on taxi costs.

Maggie Game, head of Direct Line Car Insurance, said: "It's worrying to see the number of people who would drink and drive because they feel saving a few pounds outweighs the risk to themselves and others."