EVERY motorist charged with drink or drug-driving offences during December and the new year will be publicly named and shamed as part of a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour during the festive season.

It is the first time Avon and Somerset Constabulary has publicised the names of drivers who are due to appear in court on suspicion of drink or drug-driving offences.

The forcewill publish the names and details on its website.

Superintendent Richard Corrigan, of the force's road safety unit, said: "We have decided, in line with other forces throughout the country, to name motorists in a bid to make people think twice before getting behind the wheel.

"This is another tool in our campaign to stop people driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

"If just one person is persuaded not to take to the road as a result, then it is worthwhile as far as we are concerned."

He said people who got behind the wheel after taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol only had themselves to blame.

"They have made a deliberate choice to ignore 50 years of warnings and messages about the dangers," he said. "It is not ignorance.

"Hopefully, knowing that their name will be publicised will act as an additional strong deterrent to getting behind the wheel having consumed alcohol or drugs."

Police activity during the month includes vehicle stop-check operations, targeted patrols and awareness-raising at events and in pubs and bars.

The police are also urging anyone who has concerns about someone they believe may be drink or drug-driving to call them on 101 or text the word 'drunk' and as many details as they can to 81819.

Superintendent Corrigan said: "This year we will be extending our visible presence to the morning period as lots of intelligence indicates that people drive the morning after drinking heavily the night before.

"If you have several drinks on a night out you can't simply assume you will be safe to drive the next day.

"There is no excuse for driving over the limit.

"Our message is simple – everyone who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a potential killer."

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens fully supported the initiative: "This can only be a good thing.

"Most people already know the dangers but for some people the deterrent will be a fear that their family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours will find out about what they stand accused of.

"This, combined with raising awareness of the issue and enforcement action,will help keep our roads safe and I welcome the approach being taken by the police this Christmas," she said.