POLICE in South Gloucestershire have launched their annual summer crackdown on drink drivers with a hard-hitting message.
Traffic officers with Avon and Somerset Constabulary will be turning up the heat on drink and drug drivers during the month-long Operation Tonic campaign.
They have promised to stage high-visibility stop checks to catch drink and drug drivers as well as to warn people of their 2011 message - simply DON’T DO IT.
Chief Inspector John Holt, of Operations and Traffic Management, said: "We take drink and drug-driving extremely seriously all year round, but a summer campaign is a timely way of focusing people’s minds on the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.
"With warmer weather and lighter nights, it’s natural that everyone is out enjoying the sunshine, having barbecues at home or relaxing in beer gardens.
"We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but the aim of Operation Tonic is to make our roads safer and ultimately to save lives."
He said driving under the influence of drink or drugs simply would not be tolerated.
"Our message is clear – if you do drink or drug-drive this summer, you can expect to be caught and punished," said Chief Insp Holt.
In last summer’s Operation Tonic, 141 motorists were arrested and officers carried out almost 30,000 stop checks in June and breathalysed almost 2,000 drivers.
This year, as well as stop checks, officers will carry out breath tests on every driver who is involved in a collision, whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.
The campaign will also target drug-drivers with field impairment tests used on any driver suspected of being under the influence of illegal drugs.
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