Police have cracked down on drink and drug driving offences as part of a strategy which targets offending motorists to improve safety.

During June, Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit began the year-round initiative that aims to prevent collisions and save lives on the roads.

Officers were out on patrol actively looking for driving offences and behaviour behind the wheel which may be due to the driver being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Surrey Police officers made over 800 stops, conducting 844 breath tests and administering 32 drug tests.

This resulted in 301 fixed penalty notices or traffic offence reports, 151 verbal warnings, 101 arrests, 55 charges and 16 court summons.

Superintendent Chris Moon, head of Surrey and Sussex roads policing unit, said: “In the summer months when the weather tends to be nicer people will often stay out drinking later into the evening.

“There are some who find the temptation of driving home after a few drinks all too tempting and we want to share the message that this is not acceptable and drink or drug driving of any kind won’t be tolerated in Surrey.

“Our advice is simple – go cold turkey or do not drive.

“Driving with drink or drugs in your system impairs your judgement and ability to drive safely.

“Not only can you cause injury or death to others, being caught drink or drug driving can also have other consequences such as a criminal record, a heavy fine, losing your job and licence and an increase in insurance premiums.

“It’s also worth remembering that it’s not just about planning your journey home, you may still be over the limit the following morning.

“We would encourage passengers to not accept lifts from drivers who they know have drunk alcohol or taken drugs.

“We also ask that you refrain from offering an alcoholic drink or drugs to someone you know is planning to drive.”

Anyone caught drink or drug-driving will be dealt with robustly – offenders face a minimum 12-month disqualification, up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to £5000.

If a death is caused through dangerous driving while over the limit, a sentence of up to 14 years behind bars can result.