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01 December, 2008 12:41 (GMT +01:00)

Don't drink and drive at Xmas warns the Met

News Desk

The Met Police are warning London drivers about the dangers of drink and drug driving this festive period, with the launch of their Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.

Starting on Monday 1 December and running for one month, it supports THINK, the national anti-drink and drug driving Christmas campaign, by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department of Transport.

The Met's Traffic Unit will carry out dedicated patrols, supported by officers across the boroughs, and will step up roadside breath tests to deter and raise awareness of the risks of drink or drug driving.

Festive revellers in particular, may be unaware they are still over the limit the morning after a Christmas party.

In addition to hand held breath test equipment to detect drink driving, officers will be using a series of exercises to find drug use, known as Field Impairment Tests (FITs). They test balance, coordination and reactions of motorists.

Anyone who is found to be driving under the influence of drink or drugs will be arrested and taken into custody. Offenders can lose their licence, be fined, or sent to prison.

Superintendent Michelle Husk from the MPS Traffic Unit said:

"Drink and drug drivers may think it's harmless to drive home after a few drinks, but in fact, they are putting other people's lives at risk as well as their own.

"Every year I see the lasting and devastating consequences of drink and drug driving on the lives of many individuals and their families. Officers from the Met are on the streets tackling these problems every day, and we will continue to do so throughout the year.

"Unfortunately Christmas is a period when people are more vulnerable to the risks of drink and drug driving, which is why we are carrying out this increased enforcement and trying to raise greater awareness.

"Motorists need to be aware of the dangers and possible consequences when they decide to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Their decision could be the difference between life and death."

Advice for the public over the festive period:

· If driving, make alternative arrangements to get home that do not involve driving.

· Take a licensed taxi, black cab or minicab.

· Appoint a designated driver for the evening, who will be drinking soft drinks only.

· Take care when driving the morning after you have been drinking, as alcohol may still be in your system and you may be over the limit. Likewise, be careful about drinking at lunchtime.

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