AS part of a county-wide drink and drug-driving campaign launched on December 1, the police have been stationed at check-points across Lancashire, stopping motorists and conducting roadside breath tests.

Different locations and different roads have been targeted every day, to drive home the message about drink and drug driving, especially on the morning after a heavy night.

While things have been a little quieter this year due to the Covid pandemic - with a lack of Christmas parties and no pubs open, it has meant more people have been drinking alcohol from home.

Lancashire Telegraph:

But with no last orders to help monitor how much alcohol they've consumed, the police say it can often be easy to over-do it, leaving people unaware that they may well be over the drink-drive limit the following morning.

A spokesperson for the police said: "People have been drinking more than ever during lockdown and throughout the coronavirus crisis, and some may not realise how much they've actually consumed at home.

"This campaign is about trying to discourage people from driving the morning after having a drink, as well as pointing out other minor driving issues."

Lancashire Telegraph:

On Wednesday morning, officers from East Division set up a mobile checkpoint under the M65 motorway bridge in Darwen, close to the Golden Cup pub.

They stopped a number of motorists and conducted roadside breath and drug tests, and also picked up on other issues such as speeding and vehicle defects.

While no motorists were found to be over the limit during the first hour at the site, police did stop a driver who had failed to display his registration plate correctly, and he was duly reprimanded.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Insp Catherine Platt, of the Lancashire Police TacOps team, said: “There are still drivers willing to take risks behind the wheel when they are unfit due to drink and/or drugs.

“Today’s activity is a reflection of the work which goes on every single day of the campaign, and regularly throughout the rest of the year, and we hope it sends the message that we will continue to target drivers who put other road users at risk to keep the communities of Lancashire safe for all.

Lancashire Telegraph:

“We know this year has been difficult, to say the least, and when households are allowed to mix on Christmas Day it may be tempting to have a few drinks and then try to get home.

"But please don’t get behind the wheel under the influence and put yourself and others in danger – it is never, ever worth the risk.”