A TOTAL of 65 people have been charged with drink and drive-related offences 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 ended on New Year’s Day.

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

Dorset Police carried out increased patrols and road side checks throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

Officers are reminding all motorists not to drink and drive.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said the force will continue enforcement throughout 2014.

He 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.”

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 used 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.”

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.