POLICE will be out and about in Teignbridge and across Devon over the festive break ready to catch any motorists ‘selfish or foolish enough’ to drive under the influence of alcohol.

Senior officers have vowed to breath-test anyone behind the wheel they suspect has been impaired by consuming booze or drugs.

Chief Inspector Peter Thomas warned: ‘The temptation to drink and drive during the Christmas season is likely to be higher than at other times of the year.

‘We implore people not take risks. Drink driving is a proven significant contributory factor in fatal and serious injury collisions and those who kill or seriously injure others whilst drink driving will find themselves sent to prison.’

And he promised: ‘We will be very vigilant with drivers impaired though alcohol, and we remain determined to take dangerous drivers off the road for their sake and for the sake of other road users.’

He also reminded drivers they could still be under the influence of alcohol the morning after drinking.

Time, he said, eliminated alcohol from the body - not sleep, coffee, a shower or breakfast.

Last December police in the two counties administered 1,472 breath tests with 189 being positive, refused or failed.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, road safety lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: ‘Drink driving is responsible for numerous deaths and serious injuries in Devon and Cornwall despite the fact that the dangers have been understood and clearly communicated to drivers for several decades.’

She added: ‘It is time to get tough on those who are happy to risk lives just because they are too selfish to use alternative forms of transport or regulate their alcohol intake.

‘That’s why I have supported the addition of further officers into our No Excuse road safety team and roads police officers who work tirelessly at this time of year to make our roads and communities safer.

‘My message to those heading out for a drink at this time of year is to enjoy yourselves and get home safely.’

The simple message was that ‘one for the road’ was unacceptable.

A spokesman said: ‘The only way to keep yourself and other road users safe is none for the road.’