A MONTH-long campaign to tackle summer drink and drug drivers has been launched in Cambridgeshire.The national campaign started on Monday (June 1) and will run throughout June. It will see police carry out stop checks across the county to breathalyse dri

A MONTH-long campaign to tackle summer drink and drug drivers has been launched in Cambridgeshire.

The national campaign started on Monday (June 1) and will run throughout June. It will see police carry out stop checks across the county to breathalyse drivers. Roadside Field Impairment Tests to check whether motorists are under the influence of drugs will also be carried out.

PC Tony Barrios, Cambridgeshire police casualty reduction officer, said: "As the weather warms up there is bound to be an increase in the number of people going out and drinking.

"Anyone doing so and planning on driving has a responsibility to themselves and other road users to ensure they do not drive over the limit.

"Our message is clear - if you drive under the influence of drink and drugs, expect to be caught and brought to justice."

There has been a reduction in drink driving in recent months with 99 people arrested in the Christmas campaign in 2008, compared to 149 arrests the previous year. More motorists than ever before were stopped during the campaign, around 10,000.

PC Barrios added: "Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to reducing the number of drink drivers and we will do all we can to ensure that those over the limit or under the influence of drugs are caught and dealt with appropriately.

"Drink and drug drivers are not only putting their own lives at risk but also the lives of others."

Clair George, Peterborough Safer Partnership said: "Three thousand people are killed or seriously injured on UK roads each year in drink drive related crashes. If you plan to drink, don't risk driving. Instead book a taxi, use public transport, stay overnight, or arrange for someone who is not drinking to drive.

"Drivers should also think about the morning after, as if you've been out drinking the night before you may still be affected by alcohol. Even though you may feel okay when you get up, you may be over the legal alcohol limit or unfit to drive and could still lose your licence.