POPPING out for a pint in a quiet country lane pub might seem like the ideal way to spend a summer night - but not if you plan to drink and drive.

That's the message from Warrington Police as they begin their latest crackdown on drivers who can't steer clear of a tipple before trying to get behind the wheel.

Motorists are being urged to plan ahead if they want to savour their July jaunts - and make sure a non-drinker or a taxi driver is on hand to drive home.

Sgt John Hayes, of the traffic unit, said: "Roadside checks are going to be carried out, like they were during our drink-driving campaign last winter.

"We will be talking to drivers about drinking and driving and if people are found to have consumed alcohol then they will be asked to undergo a breath test."

Patrols will be operating from the early hours right through to pub closing time.Police have promised in their bid to slash the amount of drink-related tragedies on our roads.

The aim of the summer approach is to remind road users that drink-driving is just as socially unacceptable - no matter what time of the year it is.

Hard-hitting poster and media campaigns are planned by the Department of Transport in support of the police efforts, stressing that statistically more die in drink-driving incidents in the summer months than over the festive period.

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