THE PUBLIC have been urged to blow the whistle on drink-drivers in a bid to make the streets of Dorset safer.

"Stop Them or Shop Them" is the theme of the Dorset Police Christmas and New Year drink-drive campaign which gets under way today.

The hard-hitting initiative is launched just days after a traffic officer was demoted for drink-driving in an unmarked police car, the Daily Echo can reveal.

As the force put the final touches to its' powerful message two weeks ago, Sergeant Steve White was facing senior officers at an internal disciplinary hearing.

A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "In the light of the evidence presented, the panel reduced Sergeant White in rank to constable."

PC White, based at Eastern Divisional headquarters at Ferndown, hit the headlines in July when he admitted driving a police car while over the limit.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, was banned from the roads for 16 months, and fined £450 by Poole Magistrates Court.

He also agreed to take the drink-driving rehabilitation course which, if successfully completed, would reduce his ban to 12 months.

Stipendiary magistrate Paul Farmer told the officer: "Not only was this offence committed by you but by someone whose duties are to uphold the law. This is an aggravating feature."

The news of Pc White's demotion will send a clear message to all motorists - on both sides of the thin blue line - that drink-driving will not be tolerated on Dorset's roads.

A special hotline has been set up for people to call with information about drivers they believe to be over the alcohol limit.

And police across the county have warned they will set up roadside checks throughout the day and night.

"Help us keep the roads - and your loved ones - safe this Christmas" said Sergeant Andy Dixon of the traffic department.

"It is very simple. If you are driving, don't drink any alcohol. The consequences of drinking and driving can be horrific.

"As we say on our posters, only Santa should drive loaded."

Police have warned that the lasting effects of alcohol can mean that many are driving over the limit the following morning and roadside checks will be timed accordingly.

They have urged drivers to drink only soft drinks and for others to either nominate a responsible driver or arrange alternative transport such as a taxi.

They hope the campaign will further reduce the number of drivers arrested during the festive season.

Last year there were 125 positive breath tests, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year.

Anyone with information about drink-drivers is urged to call the special hotline on 0500 502999 during the campaign which runs from today until New Year's Day.