AVON and Somerset Police have asked members of the public to shop a drink or drug driver before they wreck someone’s Christmas.

It is part of Operation Tonic, an annual month-long campaign which runs until January 1. The initiative features high visibility and covert patrols aimed at targeting drink and drug drivers.

Anyone spotting a drink or drug driver is being urged to call 999 if it is happening now or texting the word ‘Drunk’ with brief details of the car, location and driver to 81819 if it is not someone driving at the time.

Chief Inspector Keven Rowlands, head of road safety at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Our message is very simple – if you get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs, you are risking your life and the lives of those around you.

“Each year we are disappointed to see the number of people who are still willing to take that risk. Even one driver caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs is one too many.

“Our aim is to educate people about the dangers of drink and drug driving and to send out a strong message that to do so is morally and socially unacceptable. It is not just us who can make a difference.”

Last year Operation Tonic led to 155 arrests out of more than 1,430 people breathalysed, with 96 people charged while in December 2014 there were 106 arrests and 59 people.