Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit will be launching its joint summer drink and drug drive campaign this week.
Road policing officers from the unit will be out in force urging motorists not to be tempted to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
The launch, on Friday 1st June, is part of the national ACPO drink and drug driving enforcement campaign and coincides with a similar initiative involving police agencies across Europe.
Inspector Ken Cook said: “This summer, someone somewhere will lose a loved one to a drink or drug-related road traffic collision and we want to ensure that doesn’t happen in our region. We are urging drivers not to take the risk. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive this summer”.
“We work all year round to try to get the message across, but the next few months presents additional challenges, with the focus being on a ‘summer of sport’.
“We have the European football championships and of course the Olympic Games as well as other major sporting events. Many of these will be televised at pubs throughout our region, where friends will meet and enjoy a social drink.
“Obviously we want people to enjoy themselves, but to do so safely. Please leave the car at home and get a taxi, take public transport or walk,” said Insp Cook.
“There is still a hardcore of offenders out there who persist, despite all the warnings, in driving while under the influence. We are calling upon the law- abiding citizens in our communities to help bring these offenders to justice by calling Crimestoppers.”
Callers can provide information to Crimestoppers in complete confidence on 0800 555111 and any information will be followed up.
They are being asked to phone Crimestoppers and provide, if possible the name, address, details of the vehicle and places frequented by suspected drink or drug drivers.
The campaign in Durham and Cleveland will include random stop checking of vehicles, breath testing of any driver committing a traffic offence or involved in a collision and anyone suspected of drinking alcohol. Drug drivers will be dealt with by means of roadside testing and blood tests.