EXTRA police patrols will be out and about across the borough during the Christmas and New Year clampdown on drink driving.

And a local police chief has appealed to motorists not to drink at all if they are to drive.

Inspector John Sargeson, head of Bury police divisional traffic unit, said: "Throughout the Christmas period, we will have extra patrols out, looking for drink drivers."

Advising all drivers not to drink, he added: "I want everyone to have a nice, safe and happy Christmas. And the message that must go out to everyone is don't drink and drive." Insp Sargeson warned that on top of the dangers posed by drink driving, the weather could also bring "extra hazards."

Last year, during the Christmas and New Year clampdown, 19 people were arrested in the Bury area after failing breath tests.

In Greater Manchester as a whole, there were 361 arrests.

National figures show that in 1996, there were 540 fatalities in accidents where one driver or rider was over the legal limit.

That year also saw police nationwide carry out 781,000 breath tests.

Insp Brian Ritson, Greater Manchester Police's road safety officer, also stressed there was only one responsible way for drivers to deal with the issue of drinking and driving at any time - not to do it.

"If you are going to drive, then do not drink as only a small amount of alcohol affects your ability and reactions."

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive is arranging for extra public transport to be available at certain times during the festive period.

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