As part of the campaign, which is also Europe-wide and runs throughout June, Northumbria Police officers are conducting roadside checks and breathalysing any driver suspected of drink-driving.

The local Northumbria campaign runs in tandem with the national ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) initiative.

All drivers involved in collisions are being breath tested and motor patrols officers are carrying out additional routine breath tests alongside their normal observations of motorists.

Chief Inspector John Barnes said: "Even a small amount of alcohol can have a serious effect on your driving ability and anyone who has a drink and gets behind the wheel could be risking their own lives and the lives of others.

"Motorists should be aware that they can still be affected by alcohol the following day regardless of the amount of time spent sleeping or what they have eaten before driving."

Anyone who fails a drink or drug test faces a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine and a huge increase in insurance premiums.