NORTH Yorkshire Police has delivered a strong message to Craven motorists as the force joins a national anti-drink-driving campaign.

Throughout July, motorists can expect to be stopped for 'static stop checks' at all times of the day, including early in the morning when drivers may still be under the influence from the night before.

The national campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, and also to target those who choose to put other road users at risk by committing such offences.

Chief Inspector Alex Butterfield, from North Yorkshire Police's specialist operations team is urging people instead of having 'one for the road' to make it 'non for the road'.

"Over the coming weeks motorists should expect to see static stop checks when travelling around the county" he said.

“With the Euros taking place and many summer events now in full swing, it’s a social time of the year. Our advice this summer remains the same as the rest of the year; instead of one for the road, make it non for the road.

“ I’m asking people to be responsible and after drinking alcohol, arrange lifts, utilise a taxi or public transport to get home. Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable and motorists who are found to be driving in excess of the limit or under the influence of drugs will be put before the court.”

As part of the campaign, North Yorkshire Police have released footage of a drink driver on the A162 near Tadcaster. The driver, a 48-year old man from the York area, was stopped and blew 115 at the roadside, the legal limit is 35. He failed to provide an evidential sample at the police station and in court was banned from driving for two years.

Ch Insp Butterfield added: “The footage shows just a snapshot of one drink driver. By stopping this driver, we have once again potentially prevented a catastrophic outcome.

“Sadly, we attend many collisions which are caused by drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs. (In July) we will be increasing the number of marked and unmarked police vehicles that patrol the road network in North Yorkshire. We’re also keen to remind road users that it’s not just about having a drink or taking drugs and getting straight into the car – you can also be over the limit the morning after. As part of the campaign, we will be conducting increased static and mobile checks early in the morning."

Police are asking people to call 999 if they know someone is about to drive and believe they are under the influence of drink or drugs, officers will endeavour to act on all information that they receive.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.