Surrey Police have launched their Christmas drink- and drug-drive campaign.

From now until January 1st, Surrey and Sussex officers will be working to find and stop people driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: "The consequences of drink- and drug-driving are far reaching. Even a small amount of alcohol or substances can massively impair your ability to drive safely, and you increase the risk of seriously injuring or even killing yourself or someone else.

"Imagine being responsible for something like that. Not only have you destroyed the life of that person and their loved ones, you've also destroyed your own life.

"This is not just a warning; this is the reality. In the past three years, from October 2017 to September 2020, there have been 296 collisions in Sussex and 214 collisions in Surrey which have resulted in death or serious injury, and where drink or drugs has been the main contributory factor.

"Working with our divisional colleagues and partners including Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and DriveSmart in Surrey, we are committed to improving the safety of all road users and reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

"By raising awareness of this very serious issue, we hope to discourage people from getting behind the wheel having consumed drink or drugs. Those who do break the law will be dealt with robustly.

To report someone driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

The campaign is being run in conjunction with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and DriveSmart in Surrey.