MERSEYSIDE Police have launched a new anti-drugs and driving campaign for Christmas.

The four week campaign, which will run until January 1, is backed by St Helens and Knowsley Health Promotions and Merseytravel. It aims to raise awareness of the dangers of taking drugs and driving, and will run alongside the national campaign against drink driving.

Department of Environment figures have revealed that one in five people killed in road traffic accidents have been found to have controlled drugs in their blood. Although the numbers of drink drivers seems to be falling, the scale of illegal drug use among people killed in road collisions has increased over the last decade.

A police spokesman said: "Most drugs can affect your concentration, judgement and ability to react quickly for sometime after the effects have worn off. Drug use is detectable for longer than alcohol, which only lasts in the system for up to 24 hours. LSD remains in the body for up to three days, amphetamines for up to four days and cannabis for up to 30 days. This does not mean that the drug will have an effect for this length of time, but this is the duration during which it is detectable."

The campaign will be supported by the 'Know your Gear' leaflet designed by St Helens and Knowsley Health Promotions Service, which is aimed at educating young people about the dangers they face. The leaflets are being distributed at police stations and health, social and youth services.