POLICE will be breathalysing motorists en masse over the weekend as the first match in the month-long Euro 2016 tournament kicks off tomorrow night (Friday).
The road policing teams from Durham and Cleveland are supporting a national campaign highlighting the dangers of drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking while watching the football.
And with England’s first game on Saturday evening they are clamping down on drink and drug-driving offences, carrying out mass roadside screenings.
Inspector Phil Grieve, from the Cleveland and Durham Special Operations Unit said: “The summer months often see more social events take place.
“And when you have a big sporting event such as a major football tournament, there is an obvious risk people may have a large amount to drink, especially if they are in the company of others, and then still be unsafe to drive the next day.
“We want drivers to remember that alcohol stays in the blood for many hours after your last drink. And illegal drugs such as cannabis or cocaine can remain even longer, seriously affecting your ability to drive safely.
“If you are foolish enough to break the law, you will find yourself being given the red card by the police and the courts.”
Last year’s summer campaign across the areas saw 94 drivers arrested.
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