DRIVERS who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs this summer will be caught, say police.

The stark warning comes just as Wiltshire Police get set to launch their summer awareness campaign tomorrow.

As part of their annual summer campaign across the county, the force is calling on the public to help save lives by not driving while under the influence but to also report any individuals getting behind the wheel after having a drink or drugs.

All Wiltshire officers will have a role to play during the month-long crackdown, although the greatest input will come from the Roads Policing Unit who will be conducting high profile checks along with their Tri-Force colleagues from Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire.

Sergeant Gavin Brewster, of the Wiltshire Police Roads Safety Unit, said: “Our message is perfectly clear. If you take a chance on drink or drug driving, you will be caught. Despite repeated messages, drink-related road deaths are still far too high across the nation.”

“We were pleased to see a reduction in the per cent of positive breath tests during the Christmas 2016 campaign and we hope that this will continue this summer. With support from the public, our aim is to reduce the number of people who even consider getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.”

Driving a vehicle when under the influence of drink or drugs seriously impairs the driver’s ability and can have horrendous consequences.

New technology and changes in legislation mean that there is the ability to make roadside checks for suspected drug drivers. The new test equipment makes it far easier to detect those who have taken drugs on the spot, without the need to return to the station.

Nearly one in five people who are convicted of drink driving are caught the morning after and do not realise that they can lose their licence if they are over the legal alcohol level.

The driver potentially risks peoples’ lives and can receive a fine of up to £5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “As the days get longer and warmer people tend to relax more and there can be a temptation to drink more. My strong advice is to take public transport if you’re thinking of going out for a drink.

"The consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can be catastrophic.”

Anyone wishing to report an incident of drink/drug-driving should call Wiltshire Police on 101 and select option four for the Drink Drive Hotline. In an emergency, dial 999.

If anyone has other information about drink/drug-driving, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.