POLICE in Bridgwater will be stamping down on drink and drug-driving in a month-long summer campaign from today (Wednesday).

Operation Tonic will see traffic officers carrying out high-visibility stop checks on local roads in a bid to catch offenders and warn anyone tempted to drive under the influence not to get behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector John Holt, of Operations and Traffic Management, said: “We take drink and drug-driving extremely seriously all year round, but a summer campaign is a timely way of focusing people's minds on the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel when they shouldn't.

“With warmer weather and lighter nights, it's natural that everyone is out enjoying the sunshine, having barbeques at home or relaxing in beer gardens.

“We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but the aim of Operation Tonic is to make our roads safer and ultimately to save lives.

"We will not tolerate drink or drug-driving in Avon and Somerset and will be cracking down on those that do so. Our message is clear - if you do drink or drug-drive this summer, you can expect to be caught and punished.”

Drivers involved in collisions can also expect to undergo roadside breath tests whether suspected of drinking or not and field impairment tests will be carried out on any motorists suspected of being under the influence of drugs.

Last year's Operation Tonic saw 141 motorists arrested and 30,000 stop checks, and 2,000 drivers were breathalysed across Avon and Somerset.