Extra drink-drive checks announced

The Government has launched a £740,000 summer anti drink-drive campaign with police announcing they will carry out extra checks on motorists.

The campaign will include radio adverts, pub posters and a short online film warning motorists of the heavy costs they face if they drink and drive.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said police would be "stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June".

The launch coincided with an AA/Populus survey of 19,859 motorists which showed that 31% of them were at their happiest behind the wheel and that 32% relied on their car to maintain friendships.

The survey also revealed that without a car 76% of 18 to 24-year-olds would find it difficult to see friends and do the things they love, while 88% would be devastated if they could not drive.

Also, 16% of all those polled rated having a car as the best thing in their lives, with the figure rising to 27% among 18 to 24-year-olds.

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond said: "Drink-driving is a menace and drivers should be clear that if they get behind the wheel over the limit this summer, they will lose their licence, get a criminal record and face a fine. They could even end up in jail.

"The findings of this poll are clear: drivers love their cars and a drink-driving conviction would not only leave a massive hole in their pockets, it would leave a massive hole in their lives."

He went on: "Nobody wants to spend their summer in a prison cell so whether you are drinking in the pub or at a friend's barbeque, make sure you do not drink and drive - it could have devastating consequences for you and for others."