FOLLOWING one of the busiest weekends in December for Christmas parties, police officers and volunteers of the Special Constabulary were up at the crack of dawn on Monday as part of their drink and drug driving campaign.

The National Police Chiefs' Council Christmas Drink and Drug Driving Campaign aims to target irresponsible and dangerous drivers to reduce fatal and serious accidents and protect other road users as well as educate and enforce the risks of drink and drug driving.

Officers were parked up on the A4 near Calne, on the look out for not only those who may have had a heavy weekend, but those speeding, driving with no insurance or using their mobile phone at the wheel.

Police carried out breath tests on a number of drivers, none of which were over the limit.

The campaign is enforcing that drivers need to give enough time for alcohol to leave their system before driving, and that even one drink could push them over the limit.

Sergeant Don Pocock, of the North Wiltshire Community Policing Team, said: "Obviously the party season can increase the amount of drink drivers. People are out and about looking to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

"We don't want to stop that, but it is about being responsible and sending home the message of taking care.

"People will take a chance sometimes and we are here reinforcing what happens if you do take that risk.

"Its about educating the public and reinforcing the message of being safe."

Head of the Road Safety Unity Sergeant Simon Drewett, said: "Motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs are not only putting themselves at risk, but also the lives of other road users across the county.

"There is no safe level of alcohol when it comes to driving.

"Changes in drug-driving legislation in 2015 have also made it easier for police to catch and convict drug-drivers. The limits across a variety of illegal and commonly abused prescription drugs are extremely low, taking even a very small amount could put drivers over the limit."