HAMPSHIRE Police’s joint drink and drug driving campaign with Thames Valley Police is focussing on designated drivers this week, with the message to plan ahead for a night out.

It comes as the latest figures show an increase of 21 per cent in the numbers of people being arrested for drink or drug driving (108 from 1-15 December 2013, compared to 89 in the same period last year).

So far 75 people have been charged, an increase of 39 per cent on the same time last year (54 in 2012).

Inspector Andy Storey who is heading the campaign said: “It is disappointing that people still are not getting the message about drink driving. It is astounding that people are still taking the risk.

“We are putting more resources than ever before into this campaign – if you choose to drink or drug drive, we will catch you, you will go to court and you will lose your licence.

“But the human cost of drink driving has a much greater impact. As our videos last week of the Staley family showed, drink driving ruins lives.”

He added: “This week we are focusing on designated drivers. If you are planning a night out with friends or family decide on a designated driver or have a plan to get home via a way that does not involve you getting behind the wheel if you have had a drink or taken something else.”