Police traffic officers have posted an eve of Euro 2004 warning over the potentially lethal cocktail of football, fine weather, barbecues and alcohol.

The traditional seasonal temptation to flout drink/driving regulations is increased this year with the festival of televised football from Portugal.

But before a ball has been kicked Durham Police traffic chiefs have urged motorists not to drive after drinking while watching Euro matches or attending events like barbecues.

Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, the force's head of road policing, said while the vast majority of those watching the games will "do the right thing" and leave their cars at home, he is concerned a few may give in to temptation and drink and drive.

Tomorrow's (SUN) England opener against France in Lisbon is expected to be the first major test of motorists' resolve, with the national team in action again on Thursday (JUN 17) tea-time and a week on Monday evening.

"Millions will be watching and cheering on the team in Sunday's game and hopefully England can go all the way and give supporters a great time over coming weeks," said Insp Goundry.

"We are not killjoys, but at the same time I would hate any of my officers to have to knock on someone's door after an England match and break the news that a loved one had died in an entirely avoidable tragedy.

"Whether you are watching in the pub, at home or anywhere else, don't be tempted to get behind the wheel if you have had something to drink.

"It's better to be safe than sorry," said the inspector.

Extra patrols will be out on the roads throughout June.

This is standard practice as the accident toll usually rises with the onset of the fine weather.

Traffic management officer Sergeant Colin Mortimer said: "June is historically a bad month because the summer weather tempts more people to go further distances and possibly have a drink as well."

He added that while there are no plans to target specific areas, police patrols will be on the alert for vehicles being driven in an erratic manner.