DORSET Police have carried out a series of roadside checks at the start of their summer campaign against driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Police are reminding drivers to ensure they are fit to drive the morning after drinking – and are extending this year’s campaign to coincide with late opening hours during the World Cup.

The campaign started on Sunday with a series of checks targeting drivers who might still be over the limit the next day.

Day one saw a man charged after a collision in Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, in which a Mercedes left the road and struck a tree. The driver was uninjured.

A 23-year-old Bournemouth man was charged with driving while over the limit and without insurance.

Sergeant Nikki Burt, from Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: "We don’t want to stop people having a good time but we will do everything we can to make Dorset’s roads safer for everyone using them.

“The morning after can be just as dangerous as the night before so if you have been drinking into the night, there is a strong chance that you may not be fit to drive the morning after, and no amount of cold showers or black coffee will change that.

“Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night.

“We urge all motorists the next morning to ask themselves: Am I fit to drive? If the answer is no, then it is simply not worth the risk.”

Anyone caught drink driving faces a minimum 12-month driving ban up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000, she said.

Details of the cases will also be publicised in the Daily Echo, along with custody pictures.

This year’s campaign runs until July 31, to cover the period when bars and pubs will be opening late to show World Cup football.

Sergeant Burt added: “We are calling on members of the public to call 999 immediately if they suspect someone of drink driving so we can intercept. Non-urgent information can be reported on 101.”