A clamp down on festive drink drivers was launched today as police look to combat the seasonal problem.

The month-long campaign by Herts and Beds constabularies aims to inform drivers of the risks and consequences of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

All drivers involved in accidents or stopped for committing an offence will be breathalysed, while officers will be on the lookout for suspicious driving, the forces said.

Chief Inspector Donna Pierce of the Beds and Herts road policing unit said there was an increase in arrests for drink and drug driving during last year’s campaign, and “anyone tempted to do so this year can rest assured they will be targeted in the same way.”

She said if you are going out for drinks be sure to make alternative arrangements to get home.

“Never be tempted to take the chance that you’re under the legal limit – any amount of alcohol affects your reactions, and not only could you ruin your Christmas, lose your licence and even your job, you could seriously injure or kill yourself, someone close to you or somebody else’s loved one.

“It is also important to remember that alcohol will stay in your system for a while and depending on the amount of alcohol you have consumed, it is often still unsafe to drive the following morning even after a good nights sleep.”