TODAY The Star launches it annual Christmas anti-drink-drive campaign with the message – don’t put lives at risk by drinking and driving.

For more than 15 years this newspaper has been at the forefront of the crusade to deter drink-drivers, particularly over the festive period.

As part of our campaign we will be naming and shaming motorists who are caught drunk behind the wheel between December 1 and January 1 by covering as many court cases as we can.

Police are also urging the public to play their part by reporting motorists they believe may be over the limit. Suffolk Constabulary has also said it will be actively target motorists who have been drinking.

Sergeant Paul Ward, of the force’s casualty reduction team, warned those who think they know better: “If you drink and drive expect to be caught.”

Police are determined is to keep the roads of Suffolk safe from the menace of alcohol-fuelled motorists. By doing so they hope to avoid a fatality, or someone being seriously injured.

Sgt Ward said: “Hundreds of people are killed or seriously injured as a result of drivers who are drunk or have taken drugs.

“It’s not just the risk of having a crash, although the chances increase greatly when drink-driving, but the misery it is going to cause to families who are bereaved or people who have received life-changing or serious injuries.

“Families are devastated at the loss of their loved one and all that it entails.

“Everyone knows you run the risk of losing your driver’s licence, but your job could also be at risk.

“If you lose your job, your home and relationship may end up being at risk, and you will obviously have a criminal record as well.

“Every year there is a campaign against drink-driving. This year we have a casualty reduction team in Suffolk and we are very focused on reducing drink-driving.

“We will be carrying out checks throughout the day, but with a real focus on early mornings following office parties and Christmas celebrations.

“If you are drinking don’t drive. And if you are driving the next day allow a decent period of time before getting behind the wheel.

“It won’t just be the roads policing unit which will be concentrating on drink-driving, it will be every uniformed police officer in Suffolk.

“I would also say to the public – if you see anyone you think has been drinking get behind the wheel of a vehicle telephone the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”