RECKLESS motorists, who get behind the wheel after boozing, are being targeted by police as the force launches its annual Summer drink drive crackdown.

From Saturday until the end of the month, traffic police will be out in force on the county’s roads targeting those who drive after consuming drink or drugs.

Police target the crime all year round, but to coincide with the start of Summer they will be beefing up their patrols and carrying out stopchecks in busy towns at nighttime and in rural areas where some drivers believe they have less chance of being caught.

As well as carrying out the usual roadside breath tests, police will also be testing drivers for drug use and carrying out roaside impairment tests.

People can track how many offenders police snare as they will be feature a “totaliser” on their website - http://www.essex.police.uk/summerdrinkdrive - showing how many people have been breathalysed and found to be over the limit.

Police are urging people to do their bit to support the campaign by: stopping family and friends from getting behind the wheel if they have had a drink; calling 999 if you know someone is drunk and getting behind the wheel; reporting anyone who you know to be a regular drink driver.

Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty Reduction Manager, is heading up this year’s campaign. He said: "Drinking and driving is a lethal combination but for reasons I will never understand there are still some selfish and foolish people who choose to drink and drive, putting themselves and the lives of other innocent road users at risk.

"We are all hoping for some warmer weather soon and want everyone to enjoy their Summer.

“But with the arrival of the sun comes lazy afternoon barbecues, drinks in pub gardens and the temptation to have ‘just one more’.

“Just one or two pints of beer or a glass of wine could put your over the limit but we’re pushing home the message that just one drink is too many.

“If you want to drink please be safe and designate a driver who will stick to soft drinks or take public transport home.

"Driving under the influence is just not worth the risk.

“Think about the consequences – losing your licence could mean losing your job and leave you unable to pay your mortgage or rent. More seriously, you could face imprisonment and the prospect of having to live with the guilt of taking a life for the rest of yours.

"Please help make the roads of Essex safer, please don’t drink and drive.”

Anyone with information about drink drivers can contact police on 999, 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.