MOTORISTS were stopped and breathalysed in random checks by police as part of a high-visibility crackdown on drink drivers over the festive period.Three officers, including Pc Jerry Abigail, spent their lunchtime yesterday in Ipswich's Civic Drive carrying out the checks on drivers as part of a campaign to prevent people from driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

MOTORISTS were stopped and breathalysed in random checks by police as part of a high-visibility crackdown on drink drivers over the festive period.

Three officers, including Pc Jerry Abigail, spent their lunchtime yesterday in Ipswich's Civic Drive carrying out the checks on 28 drivers as part of a campaign to prevent people from driving under the influence of drink and drugs.

Mr Abigail said: “The message we want to get across is that at any time of the day in Suffolk motorists face the possibility of being stopped and checked.

“We want to remind motorists there is no safe drinking limit and those who have a couple of drinks over lunchtime could be over the limit and unfit to drive.

“This goes for drugs as well and even if people are on prescription drugs they need to check whether they can drive on them.

“We would also advise them not to mix the prescription drugs with alcohol - just leave it alone.”

Motorist Jon Innis, an engineer from Mistley, was one of those breathalysed and provided a negative reading.

He said: “I didn't mind being stopped and don't feel picked on.

“I am on the roads a lot and know the police step up their checks at this time of year.

“I am in favour of tougher penalties for drink drivers and want them off the roads.”

Over the next few weeks random checks will be carried out at various parts of the town during lunch times and in the evening.

Main roads and roads often used as short cuts will be focused on.