AROUND 50,000 people heading for the Creamfields music festival this weekend have been warned not to drink or take drugs and drive.

A team of officers trained in field impairment tests will be carrying out spot checks on vehicles travelling to and from the event to see whether the drivers are unfit to drive.

PC Andy Taylor said: “Cheshire Police takes drink and drug-driving extremely seriously. Drivers should be aware officers will be carrying out checks over the weekend.

“We will have a team of officers dedicated to field impairment testing, which can detect if anyone has taken drugs and driven.

“Anyone caught drink or drug-driving will be prosecuted. The penalties for drink driving are the same as for drug-driving – a minimum of 12 months’ disqualification for anyone caught driving under the influence and a criminal record.”

Officers will be based at various points on routes to and from the site over the course of the weekend.

PC Taylor added: “Signs will be put up around the site to warn drivers that drug-driving tests are being carried out. Drivers who are stopped will be asked to carry out a variety of exercises.”