POLICE in Yorkshire will join forces with officers in more than 25 European countries this week, in a week-long driving initiative.

TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network, has encouraged police to take part in a crackdown on drink and drug-driving.

Chief Superintendent Pasi Kemppainen, chairman of TISPOL’s strategic alcohol and drugs working group, said the operation was intended to raise awareness of the dangers that went with driving with alcohol or drugs.

Chief Supt Kemppainen said the crackdown, which runs from today until Sunday, would not just focus on illegal drugs.

“Many medicinal drugs can cause drowsiness and therefore impair driving, so it is vital that you, as a driver, should read the warnings on a medicine, or check with your health care professional, before taking any risks,” he said.