STOP CHECKS for drink and drugs will be carried out on drivers by police across Cambridgeshire from today (Tuesday) until New Year s Day. As part of the county-wide anti-drink and drug driving campaign police officers will conduct stop checks on drivers a

STOP CHECKS for drink and drugs will be carried out on drivers by police across Cambridgeshire from today (Tuesday) until New Year's Day.

As part of the county-wide anti-drink and drug driving campaign police officers will conduct stop checks on drivers across the county to breath test drivers and carry out Field Impairment Tests to check if drivers are under the influence of drugs.

Last year saw the number of people caught driving under the influence of drink and drugs reduce with 102 people arrested, compared to 149 arrests the previous year.

Around 10,000 motorists were stopped during the annual campaign last year and 1,832 were breath tested as officers conducted daily patrols across the county.

Of those tested, five per cent were over the drink drive limit, resulting in 99 arrests for drink driving. Three further arrests were made for driving under the influence of drugs.

PC Tony Barrios, Casualty Reduction Officer, said: "Over the next few weeks drivers should expect to see a highly visible police presence on the county's roads as we target those who drive under the influence.

"Drink and drug driving enforcement is a vital tool in the reduction of fatal and injury collisions.

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

"The maximum penalty for drink driving is a six month prison sentence, �5,000 fine and a driving ban of up to 12 months - is it really worth the risk?"

PC Barrios added: "It was good to see last year's figures reduce but it is always disappointing to catch people driving under the influence.

"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."