A total of 48 people have been charged with drink and drive-related offences so far during Dorset Police’s annual Christmas campaign.

The Force’s drink and drug drive campaign – which forms part of Dorset Police’s Countdown to Christmas – began on Sunday December 1 and will run until Wednesday 1 January 1.

Between December 1 and December 22, 48 people have been charged with a drink or drug drive-related offence.

This year anyone charged convicted a drink or drug driving-related offence will be named and shamed in the Dorset Echo.

Dorset Police is reminding motorists there will be increased patrols and road side checks throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “It’s really disappointing that so many people continue to not only put their own lives at risk, but also the lives of other innocent road users.

“I have seen far too many lives lost on the roads due to drink driving. Research has shown that even one drink can impair the ability to drive so please don’t get behind the wheel after drinking any alcohol at all.”

Inspector Butler is also urging people to plan ahead over New Year and take simple steps such as booking a taxi, having a designated driver or arranging overnight accommodation.

Every driver who is involved in a collision in Dorset during the drink and drug drive campaign will be breath tested, irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink driving or not.

If someone is caught drink driving they will face a minimum 12 month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Dorset Police will continue to use information provided by the public to target suspected drink or drug drivers throughout the campaign.

Inspector Butler added: “I urge members of the public to dial 999 if they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and please be assured that your details will remain anonymous.”

Members of public can find out the latest information about the drink drive campaign on Twitter @dorsetpolice #DPXmasCountdown.

If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dial 999 immediately so police can intercept or call 101 with non-urgent information.