Extended drink-drive checks announced

The UK government has launched its new summer anti drink-drive campaign with the police announcing that extra drink-drive checks will be carried out on motorists.

The government’s £740,000 campaign will include radio adverts, pub posters and a short online film warning motorists of the heavy costs they face if they drink and drive.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said police would be “stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June”.

Acpo’s roads policing section head, chief constable Suzette Davenport, said: “Police take this offence very seriously and experience shows us that courts take a very dim view of anyone who is caught.

“It is appalling that in 2013 we still have to remind people not to drink or take drugs and drive.

“To combat this, we will be stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June.

“For causing death while driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drivers could face 14 years’ imprisonment.

“These deaths are avoidable if drivers simply make the decision not to drink or take drugs and drive, or make alternative arrangements to get home from summer time events.”

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond added: “Drink-driving is a menace and drivers should be clear that if they get behind the wheel over the limit this summer, they will lose their licence, get a criminal record, and face a fine.

“They could even end up in jail.”