Lincolnshire Police launch their annual Christmas drink-drive campaign day with the simple message: "There isn't any excuse - drink and drug driving kills."

During December police will be increasing their enforcement of people who are driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

10% of drivers tested in December last year failed a roadside breath test and 40 % of drivers who were tested for drugs tested positive.

Lincolnshire Police tested more people last year than in 2018, 1369 people were breathalysed, and 115 drivers were tested for drugs.

Drivers who take the risk are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision if they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs when driving.

Officers will require a breath test from anyone they suspect is driving while over the legal limit. From anyone who has committed a moving traffic offence, such as a defective brake light, speeding, inconsiderate driving etc and from all drivers who have been involved in a collision regardless of fault.

Where officers suspect a driver is impaired through drugs, whether prescribed or not, they will require a drug wipe test.

Driving while over the alcohol limit or while impaired through drugs is one of the #Fatal4. We focus on the #Fatal4 all year and our December drink/drug campaign is part of our work to keep people safe on Lincolnshire's roads.

Police Sergeant Adie Scargill, Roads Policing, Lincolnshire Police, said: "This year has been hard enough for people, yet some drivers risk making it harder by facing a criminal conviction and driving ban. This leads to a loss of job, increased financial difficulties which effect family and friends too.

"We don't want to spoil anyone's Christmas, so be responsible, don't put yourself and others at risk of harm on the roads."

John Siddle, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, said: "The spectre of drink and drug driving has blighted so many lives over so many years and now Covid-19 is taking its toll too, do we really want any more bad news?

"Sadly, an officer may have to deliver a message you don't want for Christmas, the death of a loved one at the hands of a drunk or drug driver.

"None of us will forget Christmas 2020, let's not make it worse by drink or drug driving!"

The alcohol and drug driving Christmas campaign runs from 1 December to 1 January.