DRIVERS taking to the road under the influence of drugs as well as drink will be targeted in a joint Surrey and Sussex Police campaign launched on Tuesday as part of Operation Dragonfly.

A total of 106 people were charged with drink or drug-driving in Surrey during last year’s Christmas campaign.

Teams will respond to tip-offs from members of the public about drivers under the influence getting into their cars.

Checkpoints will also be set up at locations across Sussex and Surrey, in particular at locations where there is evidence there has been a history of drink or drug-driving.

Officers will tweet about people stopped on suspicion of drink or drug-driving offences throughout the month, giving brief details – such as when and where the motorists were pulled over.

Inspector Alan Nicholls said: “Officers will be out looking for anyone who has got behind the wheel or got on a motorcycle after drinking or taking drugs. We will not tolerate drink or drug-driving and would urge anyone who thinks they know someone who is driving over the limit or driving after taking drugs, to contact us urgently so that we can act.

“This campaign is about saving lives and serious injuries to road users especially during the Christmas festivities and drivers are urged to be very sensible and not drink or take drugs at all if driving and to remember that they are very likely to be over the limit the morning after.”

In a survey conducted last year by Brake and Direct Line, three per cent of UK motorists admitted driving while on illegal drugs in the previous 12 months and 5.9 per cent of motorists admitted to getting behind the wheel when they thought they could be over the drink-drive limit.

Members of the public can text officers on 65999 with details of people they suspect of drink or drug-driving or visit www.operationcrackdown.co.uk.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

To keep up to date with officers looking for drink or drug drivers follow #opdragonfly on Twitter.