A MONTH-long campaign to tackle summer drink and drug drivers was launched in Cambridgeshire yesterday (Tuesday).

A MONTH-long campaign to tackle summer drink and drug drivers was launched in Cambridgeshire yesterday (Tuesday).

The national initiative will run throughout June and see police carry out stop checks across the county to breathalyse drivers and use impairment tests to determine whether motorists are under the influence of drugs.

With the World Cup approaching, police are preparing for an increase in the people driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Inspector Chris Skepper said: “As the weather warms up and with the World Cup there is likely to be an increase in the number of people socialising, celebrating and drinking.

“Anyone doing so and planning on driving has a responsibility to themselves and other road users to ensure they do not drive under the influence.

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

Last year (2009) 113 people were arrested during the summer campaign, compared to 133 the previous year (2008).

A spokesman for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety 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.”