A SENIOR police officer has fired a warning to motorists ahead of the summer party season: drink-driving will not be tolerated.

Adam Briggs, deputy chief constable of North Yorkshire Police, was speaking at the launch of a campaign to stamp out drink-driving on the county's roads.

The 95 Alive road safety partnership, a five-year plan to reduce deaths from road accidents, is a multi-agency scheme involving the police, fire service and local authorities.

The partnership's summer campaign, launched today at County Hall, in Northallerton, targets summertime events, such as barbecues, al-fresco parties and other outdoor events, where alcohol is a regular feature.

Mr Briggs said: "We all have a part to play in reducing the number of casualties on our roads.

"People in North Yorkshire and York are really concerned about road safety, with drink-driving being right up there as a major worry.

"We want people to go out this summer, and have great time with their families and friends, but not to drink and drive.

"If you do drink and drive, and you are caught, you could go to prison for up to six months, or be fined £5,000.

"You could also lose your job and your reputation."

The 95 Alive aims to save the lives of 95 people who would otherwise have died in road accidents.

A total of 81 people were killed on the county's roads last year, including seven as a result of drink driving.

The campaign is urging people going to family parties and other events this summer to nominate a designated driver, someone who agrees to remain sober while others enjoy a drink.

Chris Anderson, chairman of the 95 Alive partnership and North Yorkshire's deputy chief fire officer, said: "The designated driver scheme, known as I'll be Des', is a way of allowing people to enjoy themselves, safe in the knowledge that they will be able to get home safely, without drink-driving being involved.

"People who are caught drink-driving will lose their licence for at least a year, and will have to pay higher insurance premiums when they eventually get their licence back."

Designated drivers will be offered cut-price soft drinks in some pubs, with a barbecue survival kit, giving ideas for non-alcoholic cocktails, available from 95 Alive.

For more information, visit dft.gov.uk/think or email 95alive@northyorks.gov.uk