A SUMMER anti-drink and drug driving campaign is underway in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The police forces have teamed up with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department for Transport for the annual crackdown on driving while under

A SUMMER anti-drink and drug driving campaign is underway in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

The police forces have teamed up with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department for Transport for the annual crackdown on driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Road Policing Inspector for Herts police David Partridge said: "While many people are now aware of the devastating consequences of being drunk while in control of a vehicle, many people think that if they have had one or two drinks, they are still within the legal limit and are fit to drive.

"What perhaps they don't consider is the personal cost that their decision to have that pint can have on their lives."

Drink-drive checkpoints will be set up, creating a high visibility policing presence, and motorists will be tested at random for signs of drink or drug driving.

If police officers suspect a driver is over the alcohol limit or intoxicated with drugs, whether illicit or prescribed, they can be breathalised, and subject to a field impairment test, comprising an examination of the eye pupils, and four psycho physical tests.

Inspector Matt Johnson from Cambridgeshire police said: "The message is clear - do not drink or take drugs and then drive.

"The fact that we are focusing on drink and drug driving, and will be setting up dedicated roadside checks, means that the likelihood of getting caught is even greater, so drivers shouldn't even run the risk."

Forty-three forces across England and Wales will participate in the summer campaign to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers.

Now in its 31st year, the campaign aims to reduce the number of casualties on the roads, and bring to justice people found driving illegally.

About 5 per cent of drivers who are under the influence of drink and drugs are responsible for 20 per cent of road collisions.