Thames Valley Police launches its month-long annual summer crack down on drink-driving today.

The month-long campaign is part of a national campaign by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Department for Transport (DfT), aimed at reducing the number of people killed and injured on the roads as a result of drinking and driving.

The campaign is targeted toward those who succumb to the temptation to drive after enjoying themselves at the round of parties and BBQs that take place during the summer months, as well as events that take place in Thames Valley such as Royal Ascot.

The theme of this year’s campaign is enforcement and Thames Valley Police and ACPO are hoping that the consequences of their offending will deter people from being so irresponsible.

During the 2008 summer campaign (June 1 to July 1) 3,646 motorists were breath-tested.

327 drivers (nine per cent) were subsequently arrested, including those who failed to give a sample of breath.

During the 2008 Christmas campaign (1 December 2008 to 1 January 2009) 4,248 drivers were breathalysed and 299 drivers (seven per cent of those tested) provided positive results, refused or failed to provide and were arrested.

A/Superintendent Gill Wootton, head of Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Department, said: “If you drink and then drive home you are not just putting your own life in danger, you are jeopardising the lives of other road users.

"We will be carrying out targeted, intelligence-led roadside tests and we also test every driver involved in a collision regardless of the time of day and whether they have been drinking or not.

“We need the help of the public to put pressure on people who are considering driving home when they are not fit to do so, to keep themselves and the public safe.

“Ask yourself, if you killed a child because of your selfishness, could you face their mum and dad? And if someone died because you didn’t stop your friend or partner from driving, how would explain your inaction to their grieving loved one?

“It is not difficult to avoid drink-driving - take a taxi, stay at a hotel or friend’s house or just don’t drink. If you know anyone who drinks or takes drugs and drives, call police or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

All drivers who provide a positive breath test, refuse to provide or fail to provide, face losing their licence for at least 12 months. They could go to prison for six months or pay a fine of up to £5,000.