MOTORISTS have today been warned to think of the consequences of drink or drug-driving over the Christmas period as police get set to launch its festive campaign.

The month-long drink drive campaign runs from tomorrow until January 1 - and police want people to think of the hardship they could face if they lost their licence.

During last year’s campaign, 43 motorists in the force’s Central division, which covers Fenland, were caught driving under the influence. A total of 123 motorists were caught county-wide.

The warning also marks the launch of the Twelve Crimes of Christmas - Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s campaign to make people safe this festive period.

Officers will be giving a host of crime prevention advice over the coming weeks to ensure Cambridgeshire’s crooks don’t cash in this Christmas.

Traffic officers will be out in force to clamp down on anyone caught over the limit on the county’s road.

Casualty reduction officer, Pc Tony Barrios said: “We want Christmas to be a happy time for all the county’s residents and that means we will be clamping down on all law-breakers.

“Every year, people who are usually law-abiding citizens will, for some reason, chose to drive while drunk or high on drugs. It is a very serious crime and those who commit it should be prepared to be treated as a criminal.

“Getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs puts yourself, and other road users, in danger. It can wreck lives and we will not tolerate such behaviour.

“The message is clear. If you are caught drink or drug-driving, you will lose your licence or even face a prison sentence. With money tight and jobs at a premium, can you really afford to put your livelihood at risk?

“People should think long and hard about how they would support themselves and their family in the New Year if they lost their licence and their job.”

The drink drive campaign runs from tomorrow (December 1) until January 1.

Drivers could be breathalysed at a number of stop checks which will be set-up across the county over the coming weeks.

Pc Barrios added: “Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to reducing the number of drink drivers on our roads and we will do all we can to ensure that those over the limit or under the influence of drugs are caught and dealt with robustly.”