A confidential hotline has been set up to encourage members of the public to report anyone they suspect of drinking and driving.

In the last week, 15 people have been arrested as part of Cambridgeshire police’s annual drink-drive campaign.

Members of the public can report anyone they suspect of drinking and driving or driving under the influence of drugs.

Inspector Phil Bloor, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit, said: “If you know someone who drink drives, or suspect someone is about to get behind the wheel after they’ve been drinking, please report it via our confidential hotline – you won’t have to leave your details.

“The number, which is available 24/7, allows you to supply us with information to help us reduce the number of drink-drivers on our roads, which ultimately leads to lives being saved.”

Callers will asked to provide as much information as possible about the driver, including the name of the driver if possible and the make, colour and index number of the vehicle.

Insp Bloor added: “We tackle drink-driving all year round, but over the next month, drivers should expect a highly visible police presence on the county’s roads as we target those who drive under the influence.”

Last year saw the number of people caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Cambridgeshire reduced, with 849 people arrested compared to 1,004 arrests the previous year, which is the lowest it has been in five years.

Clair George, senior road safety officer, from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership, said: “We urge drivers to consider not just their own safety this Christmas but also the safety of other road users.

“Our message is simple – drive safely and responsibly without being under the influence of alcohol, otherwise you could ruin your own life and the lives of others.

“Drivers are also reminded they may still be affected by alcohol the day after drinking, despite feeling fit to drive. It is impossible to get rid of alcohol any faster. Taking a shower, drinking coffee or other ideas about ‘sobering up’ will not help. It takes time for the body to process alcohol.”

INFO: The hotline number is: 0800 032 0845.