Merseyside Police will be naming and shaming people who are arrested for indulging in drink and drugs before they get behind the wheel over the Christmas and New Year period.
This month will see officers cracking down on bad driving, and paying particular attention to hot-spot areas at night and early in the morning to target those risking driving after drinking or drug-taking the night before.
Offenders will be listed on the Merseyside Police website.
Chief Inspector John Hogan, Head of Roads Policing in Merseyside, said: “Despite the obvious dangers of combining driving with alcohol or drugs, every year there are a number of people who are prepared to flout the law and continue to drive.
“It only takes one of these people to lose control of their vehicle and kill or seriously injure another person – whether that be a stranger, friend or loved one.
“While they represent a small minority of drivers, I cannot stress enough the danger that these people present to themselves and other road users.
“We are dedicated to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads and we have more officers than ever trained to spot the signs displayed by drug-impaired drivers.”
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Chief Inspector Hogan also said that the campaign wasn’t just about arresting people who are over the legal limit, but to also educate people on the issue.
He said: “Our officers visit schools and colleges throughout Merseyside to raise awareness of the issue of drink and drug driving and we will continue to work with our road safety partners to provide information on this issue.”
Last December, at total of 7,882 drivers were breathalysed by Merseyside Police, with 192 arrests. This is an increase on the figures from the previous year, which saw 7,850 people breathalysed and 119 arrests. There were 69 drug impairment tests in 2011, which led to 19 arrests.