A CONFIDENTIAL number to report drivers under the influence of drink and drugs has been launched today.

Police are running an enforcement campaign until the end of June, while the confidential hotline will be piloted for three months.

People can call the 24-hour number 0800 032 0845 to supply police with information about drink and drug drivers.

Inspector Chris Skepper said: “We know there are people out there who still feel it is acceptable to drive under the influence and there are also people who know who these offenders are.

“They may not feel comfortable reporting drink and drug drivers so the confidential line is available to allow people to do this without having to leave their details.

“We will act on the information immediately where possible or through targeted action.”

Last year 1,201 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence; of those 89% were men and 14% women.

Insp Skepper added: “As the weather warms up and the days get longer we traditionally see an increase in the number of people driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

“People tend to be out socialising and celebrating and may not think about how they are going to get home.

“It is simply not acceptable for people to risk the lives of others because they’ve had too much fun and may have drunk too much.

“We are urging drivers to organise their transport home before becoming impaired and make what could be a fatal decision.

“We will also be targeting drivers the morning after the night before as many people don’t realise the length of time the effects of alcohol can last.”

Clair George, road safety officer for Peterborough City Council, said: “More than 100,000 people are arrested each year in the UK for drink driving and drivers should be aware that any collision they are involved in will result in an automatic breath test.

“If convicted of drink driving you will receive a minimum driving ban of at least 12 months, an endorsement of your driving licence for 11 years, criminal record, a fine of up to �5,000.

“If you drive at twice the legal alcohol limit you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash than a driver that has not been drinking.

“Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive our message is to drive safely, responsibly, and without being under the influence of alcohol - otherwise you could ruin your own life and the lives of others.”