WILTSHIRE Police launches its annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign today.

The campaign, which aims to educate drivers about the dangers of drinking and taking drugs before getting behind the wheel, will run throughout December.

Officers will be stepping up roadside enforcement throughout the whole of December and into the new year, to catch drivers who ignore the warnings and put the lives of themselves and others in danger.

All Wiltshire officers will be taking part in the campaign, and high profile roadside checks will be reinforced by members of the automated number plate recognition team.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the consequences of being caught drink or drug driving which can include a 12-month driving ban, a large fine, a criminal record, and serious implications for insurance premiums when the offender can drive again.

It also warns that being caught can have a huge impact on personal lifestyle with people losing their jobs and suffering relationship breakdowns.

Chief Inspector Sean Memory, head of specialist operations for Wiltshire Police, said: “The message from us is perfectly clear - If you take a chance on drink driving, you will be caught.

“We are putting a great deal of time and effort into this year’s campaign, with the intention of showing the public that drink driving is completely antisocial, and a grave danger to other road users.

“Research shows that increased enforcement results in a decrease in the number caught driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Drug-impaired driving is a growing concern and is equally as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol.

“By stepping up enforcement over the Christmas and New Year period, and with involvement and support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people caught, and the occurrence of incidents as a result of someone getting behind the wheel while under the influence.”

Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink or drug driving can call 101 and select option 4.

* The drink drive campaign road shows will be at Tidworth Barracks on December 10 and Salisbury Market Place on December 11, from 10am to 2pm, with representatives from Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and the Community Safety Partnership