DRINK and drug drivers are being warned their days behind the wheel are numbered as Hampshire police launch their summer crackdown.

The force is taking part in a nationwide campaign to rid the roads of dangerous drivers who consume alcohol and drugs and put lives at risk on the county's roads.

The month-long initiative begins today and will see teams of officers from Hampshire and Thames Valley's joint operations unit carrying out targeted operations both day and night.

Extra patrols will be carried out specifically to breath test and educate drivers while intelligence-led operations to catch offenders will also be staged.

But residents are also being urged to shop anyone they suspect could be over the limit or unfit to drive - by calling police.

It comes as figures for 2013 showed that between 230 and 290 people were killed in accidents in

Great Britain where at least one of the drivers was over the drink drive limit.

A constabulary spokesman said the aim for this years campaign was to carry out a breath test and FIT test at every opportunity.

Every driver involved in a crash on the county's roads and motorways will also be breathalysed as a matter of course.

Sergeant Rob Heard, who is the road safety lead for the constabulary, said the message for those considering breaking the law was simple: “It's not worth the risk!"

He said: “Too many people are still taking the risk to drive whilst impaired, but we are dedicated to tackling this issue.

"These people not only put themselves at risk, but others who are often innocently going about there daily lives. "Extra patrols will be deployed to carry out a number of breath and drug tests. If you are caught driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs you could face a criminal conviction, possible prison term, driving ban, and could even lose your job."

In particular the campaign is looking to remind people who may inadvertently get behind the wheel too soon after a night out to be more mindful of how long it takes to rid the body of booze.

Sgt Heard added: "People need to remember that alcohol can stay in your system for some time. After just four pints of lager, you may not be safe to drive for up to 13 hours, so whether you are drinking in the afternoon at a summer barbeque or drinking in the evening, make sure you are safe to drive the following day.

"Just because you haven’t had a drink for a few hours, it doesn’t mean all the alcohol has left your system and you can drive. You could still be over the limit."

Police are asking anyone who suspects someone is driving whilst impaired to call them immediately on 101 or text them on 80999 with all the details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.