PEOPLE are being urged to reach for the telephone when they see motorists hitting the booze.

The police appeal comes as part of a summer crackdown on drink drivers. The force has launched a clampdown across Lancashire to combat the summer increase in drink driving due to people going to barbecues and parties.

Last year a similar summer campaign modelled on the annual Christmas crackdown was hailed a huge success.

Random checkpoints will be set up on Lancashire's busiest routes, but the main thrust of the drive is to get the public involved in catching drink drivers.

Lancashire County Council is also backing the "Drink Link" campaign, which was officially launched this week.

The aim is to cut the number of serious accidents and the confidential Crimestoppers line can be used by members of the public.

Lancashire's road policing co-ordinator Chief Inspector Ian Bell said: "Although there has been a significant reduction in the number of people killed in drink drive related crashes over the last 15 years, there still remains a hard core of drivers who persist with this irresponsible behaviour and drink driving remains a serious life-threatening issue."

He added: "If we can save even one life as a result of making people more aware of the dangers of drink driving then this campaign will have been worth while.

"I would urge members of the public to report known offenders through Drink Link in the knowledge that their call will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone wanting to report a suspected drink driver can ring the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.