MOTORISTS are being warned not to "risk" their lives or the lives of others by getting behind the wheel this weekend as more pubs and bars are set to open.

Wiltshire Police is urging people not be tempted to drive to go for an alcoholic drink.

Inspector Mark Freeman, of the road policing team, said: “Traditionally, summer is a prolific time for drink driving convictions and we are concerned that with more licensed premises opening their doors this weekend, for the first time since the easing of lockdown regulations, that more people will be tempted to drive somewhere to have a drink.”

“As one of the Fatal Four causes of death on our roads, drink or drug driving along with inappropriate speed, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone when driving, are all easy to avoid. You just need to make the right decisions.”

“Our message is perfectly clear. If you take a risk with your life and that of other people by drink or drug driving, you will be caught.”

Police say nearly one in five people are convicted for being over the legal alcohol level the morning after a night out because they do not realise how long alcohol stays in the system.

If caught drivers can receive a fine of up to £5000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.

Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink/drug driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option 2 for the Drink Drive Hotline.

If you have any information about drink/drug driving you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at crimestoppers-uk.org

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.