Police have launched a Summer Drink and Drug Drive campaign in Gloucestershire and warned motorists not to drive whilst under the influence.

The campaign "Face the Penalty" will focus on detecting drivers who are impaired while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

With the summer barbeque season well underway and World Cup celebrations set to begin on June 14 the message is clear - be responsible and think ahead.

This is a collaborative campaign between Gloucestershire Constabulary, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Gloucestershire County Council.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said, "This is not about spoiling people's fun. We want everyone to enjoy themselves when they're out and be safe at the same time. People who get behind a wheel under the influence are not only putting themselves at risk but others too.

"A great deal of work has gone into making drinking and driving socially unacceptable. Road users need to understand driving under the influence of drugs is equally unsafe and intolerable.

"As a former police officer and now as commissioner, I have met many people who have suffered immeasurably because someone thought the message did not apply to them. Some were innocent victims, others who took a chance and took a life found out too late it was not worth the risk".

Councillor Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council said, "Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been called to many distressing incidents over the years where drivers have gambled and wrecked their lives, and the lives of others - then they've had to "Face the Penalty".

"Our fire fighters continue to visit schools and colleges across the county with the "WRECKED" initiative to get the message across to our young people. Even if they haven't started driving yet they can still influence their friends and family who do. They'll also carry the message forward through their life."

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that young males are most likely to drink and drive and there will be an increased police presence to prevent this.

Besides law enforcement, the key messages of the sessions include the physical and emotional consequences of being involved in a crash after drinking or taking drugs and the social and long term impact that drink drive convictions can have.