Take the risk and you'll be caught

POLICE are warning young binge drinkers against the dangers of getting behind the wheel after a crack-down snared 20 motorists in two weeks.

Officers say the large number of arrests, which included 13 people under the age of 26, shows a worrying resurgence in driving while over the limit.

They described the results as 'totally unacceptable', and warned anyone getting behind the wheel after drinking could lose their licence and livelihood.

Sergeant Steve Griffiths, of Crewe Police's Traffic Unit, said: 'Over the years drink-driving has become socially unacceptable and this seemed to be especially true among young people.

'The image of the typical drink-driver was a middle-aged man.

'Now we seem to be seeing more young people involved. That's a cause for concern and we would simply say to them, 'If you take that risk you will be caught. It will cost you your licence and possibly your job'.'

The crackdown, which will continue throughout the rest of July and August, is part of a two-month national campaign supported by the Department of Transport

It will see all drivers suspected of drink-driving, involved in a collision, or stopped for any traffic violations, receiving a roadside breath-test.

The operation will take place at all times of the day and night, including breakfast, when people can often still be over the limit from the night before.

Sgt Griffiths said: 'People often don't realise how long alcohol stays in the system. They may have been drinking fairly heavily the night before and avoided driving, but then are still unfit when they go to work the next day.

'Action against drink-driving goes on all the year, but this campaign highlights the issue. It's appropriate timing because people are more inclined to go out for a drink in the summer.

'We are simply trying to save lives.'

During the first four months of this year 18 people were killed on the roads in Cheshire, with alcohol playing a significant part in seven of those collisions.

And last year, nearly 25% of a total of 9,400 breath-tests on motorists came back positive.