REPRESENTATIVES from the emergency services took to the streets of Bournemouth to remind drivers of the devastating consequences of drink driving.

Police, fire and ambulance personnel were in Bournemouth Square to answer questions as well as allow children a behind-the-scenes look at vehicles.

Hundreds of people were attracted to the event which marked the first day of the summer drink driving campaign in Dorset.

Throughout the month of June, officers will be requesting breath tests from all drivers involved in road traffic collisions, regardless of whether or not they suspect an offence.

Drivers can expect to be tested during routine stop checks and if they are stopped for an offence. Field Impairment Tests (FIT) will be conducted on drivers suspected of being unfit to drive through drugs.

During 2016, 880 people were arrested for drink driving-related offences in Dorset and 128 for drug driving.

PC Heidi Moxam, Dorset Police’s Casualty Reduction Officer, said: “With the weather continuing to get better, we’re at a time when drivers are more likely to risk drink or drug driving after socialising. I would ask those planning to go out for a few drinks to consider how you’re going to get home beforehand.

"Alcohol impairs many of the functions necessary for safe driving - reaction times go up and spatial awareness is significantly reduced. You don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver."

Chief Inspector Adrian Leisk, Head of the Alliance Roads Policing team across Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police, said: "People convicted of drink or drug driving can expect to be banned from driving for at least 12 months, receive a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months in prison.

"When someone dies as a result of a collision involving a drink or drug driver, sentences can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Don’t risk it, it’s never worth it."

As in previous campaigns, anyone charged with a drink driving related offence during the campaign will have their name and court appearance details released to the media. Custody images of those convicted could also be issued.

Follow the campaign progress on Twitter using hashtag #DontRiskIt.

For non-urgent matters, or to pass information about someone who regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol, go to dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function. Here you can pass all the details to Dorset Police via the online inquiry form.

Members of the public can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org