DRIVERS who get behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs have been urged not to risk “life and limb” on the county’s roads.

North Yorkshire Police have kicked off a campaign to stamp out the problem of people driving under the influence.

It is part of national month-long roadside blitz which will run until June 30 and will include roadside stop-checks across the county and intelligence-led operations to target hotspot areas and suspected offenders. As part of the campaign, North Yorkshire Police and 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership will promote the DESignate scheme, which encourages groups of revellers to appoint a designated driver.

In the past five years in York and North Yorkshire, 259 people have been killed or seriously injured in collisions involving drunk drivers.

Assistant chief constable Sue Cross said: “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated. This criminal behaviour is reckless in the extreme and can devastate lives.”

She said police would breathalyse anyone involved in a collision or who committed a traffic offence, however minor, or who was suspected of having alcohol in their body. Road policing officers are also trained to carry out field impairment tests on those suspected of taking drugs.

Asst Ch Con Cross said: “I also urge local residents to watch out for suspected offenders who are willing to risk life and limb by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. If you believe someone is breaking the law please contact police.”

Trish Hirst, from City of York Council’s road safety team, said: “We are hoping that the ‘Des’ message will remind people to act responsibly. Drink and drug-driving is a serious issue that not only affects those who are injured or killed, but their family and friends as well, and the driver of the vehicle.”

If you have information about suspected drink and drug drivers, phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111 or North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60247.