POLICE have launched a crackdown on motorists who drive while drunk ahead of the summer months.

North Yorkshire Police is taking part in a month-long national campaign to tackle offenders and has asked local people to provide information about anyone they think may be driving while under the influence of drink and drugs.

In the past five years, 259 people have been killed or seriously injured in collisions involving drunk drivers in North Yorkshire.

Officers will hold a number of visible road checks and awareness activities before the campaign ends on June 30.

As part of the education and awareness side of the campaign, the police will be promoting the DESignate scheme, which encourages groups of revellers to appoint a non-drinking driver.

Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "This criminal behaviour is reckless in the extreme and can devastate lives.

"Through the combination of police enforcement and increasing awareness about the dangers involved, we want to get the message across that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated.

"The simplest and safest advice we can give to people is to avoid drinking and driving completely. The very serious consequences of being caught by the police or injuring yourself or others are just not worth the risk."

The campaign is being supported by the 95 Alive Road Safety Partnership, which involves representatives from the emergency services and local authorities.

Andrew Darling, from North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We fully support the police enforcement to prevent people from trying to drive on our roads when they have been drinking or taking drugs.

"We are encouraging our pubs to support DESignated drivers by providing soft drinks and coffee so that they can help to get their customers home safely."

The minimum sentence for drivers who are caught over the limit will be a 12 month ban and up to a £5,000 fine.

To provide information anonymously about suspected drink and drug drivers call Crimestoppers on 0800-500-111.

People can also pass information directly to North Yorkshire Police on 0845-60-60247.