MERSEYSIDE Police has launched its annual campaign to crack down on drink and drug driving over the Christmas and New Year period.

The message was clear - don't drink or take drugs and drive or you will be caught.

Over the next four weeks thousands of motorists face being stopped as officers conduct road checks at key locations across the region. Last year 5,388 drivers were breathalysed during Merseyside's drink drive campaign and one in 17 drivers were arrested for positive, refused or failed tests.

Superintendent Jon Roy said: "If you drive over the limit you not only run the risk of disqualification and a criminal prosecution, you risk ruining your own life and the lives of others.

"Just one drink can impair a person's ability to drive, slowing down reaction times and the ability to judge speed and distance. And if you take drugs and drive you are taking the same deliberate risks and will face the same penalties.

"We are determined to keep our roads safe this Christmas and will leave no stone unturned in seeking out those driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

"This is a matter of choice for every driver. Choose to do it and you willbe caught!"