DRIVERS are being warned by Petersfield police inspector Steve Sargent of the consequences of drink-driving this Christmas.

He told The Herald that officers will be look-out for motorists under the influence and says no one is safe from the breathalyser test.

More than 450 drivers were breathalysed during Hampshire Constabulary's campaign last year as a result of collisions throughout the county in which 171 people were injured. Of those tested, 37 people were over the legal limit.

Inspector Sargent said: "This is something that we realise is an all-year-round problem.

"At Christmas we put a lot more publicity out because there are more temptations and opportunities to have a drink.

"But officers are always on patrol and I wouldn't say that we put any less effort in at other times of the year."

He added: "We can breathalyse anyone we suspect has been drink-driving. There are certain restrictions but if there is any suspicion we can carry out the test. In short, no one is safe.

"If they are found over the limit they will lose their licence. This can lead to all kinds of problems and can even result in that person losing their job. This makes it more difficult to pay the mortgage.

"The consequences of being caught are very severe but not nearly as severe as having an accident and killing someone."

Insp Sargent said people who drink and drive made the roads a dangerous place for every other driver. He said it was important to keep reminding people of the dangers involved.

He said: "Any message that can get out to people is extremely valuable to us. We take this issue very seriously.

"We are pleased that the attitude to drinking and driving has changed from what it was 10 or 15 years ago.

"It has really gone out of fashion and it is thought of as completely socially unacceptable.

"There is a school of thought that suggests that it is mainly the younger drivers who drink- drive, particularly those who have just passed their tests.

"But we would not exclude anyone. People who have not got the message can be any age."

Road safety inspector Peter Hughes is urging people not to travel with drivers they know have been drinking and is encourage them to find alternative means of transport.

He said: "Despite warning all year round and knowing how dangerous it is, some drivers still act irresponsibly.

"The festive season is a time for fun, but there's no fun in drinking and driving."