A POLICE force is carrying out a drink-driving blitz to cut road deaths this summer.

Teesside has a problem with a hardcore of drink drivers and Inspector Eric Robinson, head of Cleveland Police's road policing unit, is concerned boozy barbecues on long summer evenings could add to the problem.

"During the summer months, when the weather is hot and the barbecues are on the go, it can be tempting to have a drink and then get in the car,'' he said.

"This is extremely dangerous and drivers should not take the risk. Drink drivers can cause collisions and casualties will result, so it's important that people understand the risks.''

He added: "There are still people who can't seem to understand that drink driving is unacceptable and ultimately can wreck lives.

"We still arrest, on average, 60 drivers per month and we must all do our best to dissuade drivers from taking the chance.''

Road patrols are being increased over the summer and police will be setting up check points across Teesside.

He is urging people going to summer parties and barbecues to get a taxi, catch a bus or beg a lift.

Cleveland Police already have a strict year-round breath test policy which will be even more rigidly enforced during the summer blitz, with drivers involved in collisions being breath tested, as well as those who commit a traffic offence or are suspected of having had a drink.