OFFICERS are gearing up for their summer crackdown on drink and drug drivers.

Every year in June, Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary's Joint Roads Policing Unit (RPU) supports the national anti-drink/drug-drive campaign.

The message to motorists is that drink and drug driving is unacceptable. It's a fatal combination that makes impaired drivers 23 times more likely to kill themselves or someone else in a collision.

Both forces will be conducting targeted drink and drug-drive operations at all times of the day and night in an effort to deter and detect drink drivers across Thames Valley until Friday 30 June.

Despite the reduction in the number of drink drivers over the past 50 years, the Department for Transport has confirmed a six-fold increase in the number of drug-drivers caught since March 2015 when the law changed to make it easier for police to catch and convict drug-drivers.

Superintendent Simon Dodds, Head of the Joint Roads Policing Operations Unit, said: "Too many people are still taking the risk to drive whilst impaired. It's simply not worth the devastation that is all too often left behind.

"We are dedicated to reducing it, these people not only put themselves at risk, but others who are often innocently going about their daily lives. Extra patrols will be out over the next month carrying out a number of proactive breath and drug tests.

"If you are caught driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs you could face a criminal conviction, possible prison term, driving ban, and could even lose your job.

"I'd like to encourage members of the public to work with us for a safer community by reporting anyone they suspect is drink or drug-driving by calling 101 with details about the car they are driving, registration and the location so that our officers can seek out those who commit these offences."

* Every year 140 people are killed or seriously injured on roads as a result of alcohol.

* 11% of fatalities involved a drink driver

* 80% of drink-drivers are male.

* Males in their mid-20s are most likely to refuse or fail a breath test.

* 6% of fatalities involved drugs as a contributory factor.

* Most drink-driving offences are between 7pm and 7am.

Officers are reminding people to consider not drinking at all if they are driving home, and to plan ahead with a designated driver or booking a taxis.

Sgt Chris Appleby, Road Safety Sergeant for Thames Valley Police, said: "Alcohol stays in your system for some time, especially if you've been drinking heavily. Just remember that that alcohol may still be in your blood and impair your driving the morning after too we urge people to sort out alternative safe ways to travel."

Sgt Appleby added: "Do you realise that, after four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours? So, whether you are drinking in the afternoon at a BBQ, or drinking while you are out in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive home. Just because you haven't had a drink for a few hours, it doesn't mean the alcohol has left your system and you can drive home - you are still likely to be over the limit."

If you believe someone is driving whilst impaired, act immediately. Phone 101 or text 80999 with all the details of the vehicle, driver, location and times. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.