POLICE are stepping up their drink drive blitz in Bridgwater on Friday as students in the town celebrate Rag Day.

Operation Tonic was launched by Avon and Somerset police on December 12 and the focus is on getting the drink drive message across to young drivers.

So far 27 drivers have been arrested across the force area and three of them are under the age of 25.

In Somerset West, which covers the Sedgemoor, West Somerset and Taunton Deane districts, 1,339 vehicles have been stopped and 504 tests conducted.

Four people have been subsequently arrested for drink driving.

Drivers under 25 have been tested 100 times.

Somerset West Chief Inspector Paul Mogg said: “I refuse to allow any family to spend this Christmas having lost a loved one because someone has thoughtlessly driven a motor vehicle when they know they have consumed drink or drugs.

“National statistics are suggesting that young drivers are seven times more likely to think drink-driving is acceptable – so they are a particularly vulnerable group and quite simply I am very keen to help save them from themselves.

“It’s Rag Day on Friday in Bridgwater, and we will be stepping up our operations across the town to ensure the safety of our youth and the wider community.”

PC Pauline Marlow said: “Running alongside Op Tonic we also have extra high visibility police teams looking after the welfare of the community ensuring Rag Day is a success.

“There will be extra support from our mounted police, special constables and street pastors.

“Please remember there are people doing their last-minute shopping and we have a responsibility to look after them too. There is an alcohol exclusion zone in the town centre so if you are walking around with alcohol you can expect it to be confiscated.”

If you suspect someone of drink or drug driving, text ‘drunk’ and the details to 81819 or call 101.