THERE’S another reason not to drink drive over the festive season – not that you should need one – Avon and Somerset Police are naming and shaming suspects.

Anyone in the force area charged with a drink or drug driving offence will have their details displayed on-line by the police and us – you can check the details on this website every Monday into the New Year.

Road safety Supt Richard Corrigan said: “We’ve decided, in line with other forces throughout the country, to name motorists in a bid to make people think twice before getting behind the wheel.

“This is another tool in our campaign to stop people driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“If just one person is persuaded not to take to the road as a result, then it’s worthwhile as far as we’re concerned.

“People who drink or drugs drive have made a deliberate choice to ignore 50 years of warnings and messages about the dangers.

“Hopefully, knowing your name will be publicised will act as an additional strong deterrent to getting behind the wheel.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Most people already know the dangers but for some people the deterrent will be a fear that their family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours will find out about what they stand accused of.”

Throughout this month, police will run vehicle stop-check operations, targeted patrols and awareness-raising at events and in pubs and bars.

If you believe someone may be drink or drug driving, call police on 101 or text ‘drunk’ and details to 81819.

Supt Corrigan added: “This year we’ll be extending our visible presence to the morning period as lots of intelligence indicates that people drive the morning after drinking heavily the night before.

“If you have several drinks on a night out you can’t simply assume you’ll be safe to drive the next day.

“We’ll be carrying out stop checks throughout the month and New Year and will arrest any drivers suspected to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“There’s no excuse for driving over the limit. Our message is simple – everyone who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a potential killer.”