NEARLY 90 people have been charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence as a result of a summer campaign led by Dorset Police.

The campaign ran from Sunday 1 June 2014 to Thursday 31 July 2014 and was extended for the first time to include the FIFA World Cup.

A total of 87 people aged between 18 and 67 were charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence. Of these 64 were men and 23 were women.

As with previous campaigns, Dorset Police joined forces with the media to highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving and the risks associated with it.

The names and court appearance details of individuals charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence during the campaign were released to the media.

In many cases the custody images of those convicted were also issued to the media upon request.

During the campaign Dorset Police carried out increased traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Every driver involved in a collision throughout June and July was breath tested, irrespective of whether they were suspected of drink driving.

Police Sergeant Nikki Burt, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “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.

“Unfortunately there are still some drivers in Dorset who are not getting the message that drinking and driving is dangerous and is simply not worth the risk.

“Drink or drug driving will not be tolerated in Dorset and officers will continue to target those motorists who think they are above the law and pose threats to the safety of themselves and other road users by driving after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.”

Anyone caught drink driving 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.

Sergeant Nikki Burt continued: “I would like to thank those members of the public who called us to report a drink driver. I’d continue to urge anyone who suspects someone is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to call us so we can take action.”

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