A crackdown on drink-driving during the festive seasons starts in St Albans today (Monday), with motorists warned they risk prosecution if caught over the alcohol limit.

Throughout December the Beds, Cambs and Herts Road Policing Unit will be out in force conducting drink and drug driving stop checks to reduce the risk of death or injury on local roads.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Herts David Lloyd said: “The last thing anyone wants to see this Christmas is a family deprived of a mum, dad, son or daughter because of a collision caused by a drink-driver.

“While I hope everyone enjoys the festive season, it is important we don’t forget the legal and moral responsibilities we have for our own safety and that of others.”

The unit’s Chief Inspector Richard Hann reminded motorists that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs “dramatically increases your chances of being involved in a collision that results in someone’s death or injury.”

He warned that, with officers “conducting increased numbers of checks during December if you do drink and drive, there is a strong chance that you will be caught and prosecuted.”

Officers will be carrying out breath tests and, where needed, field impairment tests on all drivers involved in road collisions they attend.

Locals are also being urged to report people they suspect are drink-driving using a confidential 24-hour reporting line 01707 354111 or visit www.herts.police.uk/advice/drink_driving/report_a_drink_driver.aspx

CI Hann said: “If you suspect someone is drink-driving then it is important that you contact police with your concerns. Your actions may save someone’s life.”

• The legal alcohol limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood but there is no failsafe guide to the amount of alcohol that a driver can safely consume. Any amount of alcohol affects driving ability.

• Motorists found to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs face a minimum of a 12-month disqualification from driving, as well as a fine and/or imprisonment. The offence of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs now carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a disqualification of at least two years.