THOSE convicted of drink or drug-driving this summer will be named and shamed by the Daily Echo.

The newspaper has once again teamed up with Dorset Police for its campaign aimed at stopping motorists from driving under the influence.

And, between June 1 and 30, those charged with a drink or drug-driving offence will have their name and court appearance details released and, if convicted, are likely to see their custody picture published.

It is hoped that will make drivers think twice before driving after drinking or taking drugs and police will also be stepping up traffic patrols and roadside checks.

Every driver involved in a collision throughout June will be breath-tested, irrespective of whether they are suspected of drink-driving.

A series of new laws have been introduced this year to target motorists driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

In March, the drug-driving law changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers.

A total of 16 legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low, so taking even a small amount could put drivers over the limit. The test for this is a simple wipe, which is carried by officers on the roadside or at the station.

New legislation introduced in April states that drink-drivers are no longer entitled to request a blood or urine sample when their specimen of breath is less than 51mg per 100ml. This law is designed to close the loophole that previously allowed a person to potentially 'sober up' while they waited for a blood or urine sample to be taken.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “This summer will be the first campaign with new drug-testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine as well as standard kits for alcohol testing. This means we are better equipped than ever to detect those who risk taking drugs or drinking and getting behind the wheel.

“We all look forward to the summer months but there is simply no excuse to getting behind the wheel or on your bike when you have been drinking or taking drugs. Our officers will be out there targeting those people suspected of being under the influence.

“Combining illegal drugs with alcohol is especially deadly with research finding that drivers who have consumed both are 23 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than sober drivers.

“Too many people have lost their lives because of such reckless actions. It is just not worth the risk.”

If someone is caught drink driving they will face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Inspector Butler is urging people to call the police on 101, or 999 immediately, if they suspect someone is drunk or drug driving. Calls can also be made to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.

The 2014 summer campaign in Dorset saw a total of 87 people aged between 18 and 67 charged with a drink or drug driving-related offence. Of these, 64 were men and 23 were women. The campaign was extended into July to include the FIFA World Cup.