CLEVELAND Police has launched a campaign warning motorists not to get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.

The Summer blitz is part of the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) drink and drug driving enforcement campaign.

It coincides with the TISPOL drink and drug drive campaign in which enforcement will take place throughout Europe.

Acting Inspector Gary Hatton, head of Cleveland Police Road Policing Unit, said: "This summer, someone somewhere will lose a loved one to a drink or drug drive-related crash and we want to ensure that doesn’t happen in Cleveland.

"We are urging drivers not to take the risk. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive this summer.

"We work all year round to try to get the message across, but the summer months present different problems, with the focus being on afternoon drinking.

"We can probably all see the attraction of enjoying a drink in a beer garden or at a barbecue on a sunny afternoon. All I’m asking is that you leave the car at home and get a taxi or walk."

The campaign will run throughout June and will include random stop-checks.

Any driver who commits a traffic offence or is involved in a collision will be breath-tested.

Drug drivers will also be dealt with by means of roadside testing and blood tests.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.