MOTORISTS were yesterday breathalysed on the morning after the night before in a Christmas drink-driving clampdown.

The operation aims to tackle the problem with an intensive purge nationwide.

The initiative was launched in Middlesbrough as part of a week-long European-wide campaign against drink-driving.

It is anticipated that 700,000 European motorists will be tested before Christmas Eve.

Offenders have been warned they face lengthy jail sentences if they are caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Cleveland Police Assistant Chief Constable Adam Briggs said: "Our message to everyone is enjoy the festive period, but do not drive after drinking alcohol.

"We want people to be sensible. It is a conscious decision to drink and drive. If necessary, make plans for the following day before going out and drinking."

The campaign was supported by Tony Davison, from Guiseley, West Yorkshire, whose 18-year-old son was killed by a drink-driver.

He said: "People who get behind the wheel of a car whilst drunk are not just risking their lives, they are also jeopardising other people's.

"The consequences of drink-driving can last a lifetime. The pain does get easier to handle, but it is never faraway, and the slightest thing can sometimes still trigger strong emotions."

Three judges in the Court of Appeal said there was "never any acceptable excuse for driving a vehicle when the ability to do so properly is impaired by alcohol or drugs".

Sir Igor Judge, sitting with Mr Justice Forbes and Mr Justice Royce in London, issued their warning as they dismissed five appeals and applications to appeal brought yesterday by six offenders against the length of sentences imposed for offences of causing death by driving after drinking.

He said: "The message, however, is stark and unequivocal. Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is a serious offence.

"If there is a consequent road traffic accident in which death results, the consequences are catastrophic for the deceased and his or her family.

"However excellent the character of the offender and genuine his remorse, for all effective purposes, a custodial sentence is inevitable."

The drink-driving figures for December across the North-East are on par with last year. In Cleveland, 746 drivers have been tested so far, with 47 failing. The figures for the whole of last December were 1,513 tests and 99 positive results.

In North Yorkshire last December, 3,381 tests were carried out, with 180 failures.

No figures were available for this month.

Durham Police tested 1,605 drivers last December, with 124 failing. No figures were available for this month.

* On the outskirts of Durham City at 9am yesterday, a van driver was found to be four-and-a-half times over the limit.