Police increase patrols to target drink drivers

Sgt Owen Messenger said the festive period was his team's busiest time of year

Police are reminding drivers in the south west to not risk "your own life as well as the lives of other innocent road users" by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the festive period.

Devon and Cornwall Police said there would be an increased number of roadside checks across the region to crack down on drivers under the influence.

It said a drink or drug driving conviction could see someone banned for at least 12 months alongside a substantial fine.

Roads policing team Sgt Owen Messenger said: "We always notice an increase in drink and drug driving in the festive season, that's down to people going out to Christmas parties and things.

"No matter how many campaigns we do and no matter what we say people will still take that risk.

"Every year people are killed and seriously injured on the roads due to drink and drug driving yet people continue to do it."

'Lives are ruined'

The force said Operation Limit, a national road safety campaign, would see officers proactively patrolling road networks to act upon information and taking action against any driver taking risks.

Mr Messenger said nominating a designated driver, using public transport or booking taxis ahead of plans was the best option.

"It makes me sad... people think it's not going to happen to them but it does happen to people and families and lives are ruined just because someone didn't plan how to get home from the party or the pub," he said.