DRIVERS ignoring a summer drink-drive campaign have been warned by police that they are getting tough.
Although the campaign in Pennine Division has been going only a week, a number of drivers have tested positive and one gave a very high reading.
Road Policing Sergeant Russ Gregory said: "Despite our best efforts to publicise the campaign and the risks associated with drinking and driving, it appears that some drivers are still happy to get behind the wheel after they have been drinking.
"What's more disappointing is the fact that drink-drive campaigns are nothing new -- everybody should know the risk by now."
He said he was very disappointed and concerned at the results to date and pledged that the campaign would be stepped up, and anyone ignoring the warnings faced tough action if they were convicted.
The police initiative is designed to cut the number of alcohol-related road traffic accidents.
Sgt Gregory said: "If you are caught drinking and driving you face a minimum of a 12-month driving ban.
"And, if you were to injure or kill another road user or pedestrian you could be looking at 10 years.
"Plus there are also other penalties such as higher car insurance, and if you rely on your licence for your job, loss of employment too."
National statistics show that alcohol is a contributory factor in one in seven of all fatalities.
A total of 420 people lost their lives in the UK last year in collisions where drink-driving was a contributory factor.
Sgt Gregory added: "The message is simple: don't drink and drive and, if you know someone who is breaking the law please so something about it.
"Call Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555 111 or local police on 01282 425001."
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