Police crackdown on drink-drivers

A police force in Britain is launching a crackdown on drink-drivers.

The campaign is being implemented by Avon and Somerset Police and is aimed at increasing roadside checks to discover motorists who have consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel this summer.

Running through June, the initiative will also increase traffic patrols, in a bid to catch repeat offenders and those who have been reported by others.

Polly King, chief inspector with the Avon and Somerset Police, said that there are major consequences for anyone caught behind the wheel while over the limit including a year-long driving ban and a fine of as much as £5,000, as well as the possibility of a criminal record and six months in prison.

A £1.5 million THINK! scheme was recently launched in a bid to cut the number of people consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel in Britain, with road safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick stating that almost 200 people die each summer as a result of drink-driving.