POLICE are to carry out surprise roadside swoops to catch drink-drivers.

Officers will also use intelligence-gathering techniques to target specific areas where drink-drivers might take to the roads across Teesside.

Static checkpoints will be another tactic used in Cleveland Police's efforts to keep dangerous drivers off the roads this Christmas.

"My message to anyone who may be tempted to get behind the wheel when they are impaired is quite simple: Don't do it,'' said Inspector Eric Robinson, head of the force's road policing unit.

"We want to deter people from committing offences - and to arrest the minority who continue to put people's lives at risk,'' he said.

"Driving while impaired through drink or drugs is a criminal act. It can wreck lives and we will not tolerate it."

While Cleveland Police had a "robust" year-round policy to target drink and drug-taking drivers, Insp Robinson said he especially wanted to deter anyone who might be tempted over the festive period.

He said: "These irresponsible people must know by now that they are a danger to themselves and others.

"If they are lucky enough not to kill or injure someone when they get caught they will definitely get banned from driving, be heavily fined and could end up in prison.''

Every driver involved in a collision on routes across Teesside, or committing a traffic offence, or suspected of drinking, will be required to give a breath test.

Insp Robinson made his hard-hitting message as Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council launched a Nil for the Road safety initiative, with a roadshow featuring non-alcoholic cocktails.

Visitors to the roadshow were invited to steer a high performance radio-controlled car while wearing goggles which are made to replicate the sensation of being drunk.

Council road safety manager Mike Hall said: "We are trying to target the hardcore drinkers and give them a conscience. Even a small amount of alcohol inhibits your driving and that is why our message has to be: 'Nil for the Road'.''