A MONTH-LONG crackdown on drink and drug drivers starts tomorrow.

The all-Wales summer antidrink/ drug drive campaign 2013 will see forces increase the pressure and focus on motorists who drink under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

There will be increased stop checks to catch those breaking the law, reinforce the message and educate drivers.

Chief Inspector Paul Evans of Gwent Police said: “Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive and this is what people need to understand.

“It’s not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit so if you’re driving it’s better not to take the risk – don’t drink anything at all.

“The consequences can be devastating not only for you the driver, but other innocent people on the road.

“Of course we are always identifying and prosecuting those drinkdriving as part of our normal patrols but during the campaign officers across Wales will be increasing highway patrols to target those breaking the law.”

During the 2012 campaign 19,277 were stopped and breath tested by police in Wales and 360 of these tested positive, refused or failed to provide representing 1.9 per cent.

In Gwent, 3,261 drivers were tested with 50 – 1.5 per cent – testing positive, refusing or failing to provide a test.

Anyone caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs faces a prison sentence of up to six months, a minimum 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and an endorsement on your licence for 11 years.

Those convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence face a prison sentence of up to 14 years, an unlimited fine and a minimum two-year driving ban. You are also likely to lose your job, will have trouble visiting countries like America and will likely face rising insurance costs.

Gwent Police has made a short film to reiterate the messages of the campaign, which can be seen online at youtube/ue6NW5A3DFM Anyone with information about people who are drinking and driving can report them by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.