MORE than 10,000 drivers are to be stopped in Lancashire during June as part of a crackdown on drink-driving.

Police said there was a major problem with under-25s who made up a 'disproportionate' amount of those caught at the wheel with alcohol or drugs in their system.

Superintendent Peter O’Dwyer said the crackdown would see high profile enforcement activity take place across the county at more than 100 locations throughout the month.

He said: "A third of people who fail roadside tests are aged under 25, which is disproportionately high.

"Clearly the message is not getting through to these people who think that it is acceptable to have a few drinks and still get behind the wheel.

"I think it is a generational thing and the message needs to be brought home to these people that their behaviour is unacceptable.

"There is no safe limit in terms of the amount you can drink before driving and we need younger drivers to understand that.

“We want people to have fun this summer and enjoy the warmer weather but to remember the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Last year in Lancashire eight fatal accidents involved drink or drugs, he said.

County CounTim Ashton, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "A great deal of effort has gone into reducing the numbers of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads through safety engineering works, driver training and education."

On average two per cent of people stopped during police drink-driving crackdowns failing b-tests.

Supt O’Dwyer said: “Even though we have tested more drivers, the number of people caught drink-driving has fallen for the fourth year running.

"But one person drink-driving is too many and we are committed to reducing this further."

Police are also encouraging people to report people they suspect of driving while under the influence on 0845 1 25 35 45.