POLICE chiefs are calling on motorists to not drink and drive this summer as the county’s force backs a national campaign.

They say it is not worth the “devastation” that is left behind as the National Police Chief Council’s anti-drink drive campaign is launched.

The message from both Hampshire and Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Units (RPU) is that drink and drug driving is unacceptable and makes impaired drivers 23 times more likely to kill themselves or someone else in a collision.

Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink may get offenders 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, ban from driving for at least two years and an extended driving test before their licence is returned.

Both forces will be conducting targeted drink and drug drive operations at all times of the day and night in an effort to deter and detect drink drivers across Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from yesterday until Friday, June 30.

Rob Heard, road safety sergeant for Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Alcohol stays in your system for some time, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily.”

Figures released by the constabulary reveal that 80 per cent of drink drivers are male, and most offences occur between 7pm and 7am.

If you believe someone is driving whilst impaired, phone 101 or text 80999 with the details of the vehicle, driver, location and times.