POLICE in Wiltshire are reissuing warnings to motorists not to risk drinking and driving as the festive season gets into full swing.

Drivers caught over the limit during the Christmas and New Year period face a good chance of appearing in the Wiltshire Times next year as we kick-start our name and shame campaign.

Police are echoing this warning to drivers with the message that anyone ignoring their advice stands a good chance of getting caught.

Sgt Dave Melvin, road safety officer, said motorists who think they are fit to drive after downing a few drinks could not be more wrong.

"Alcohol is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream and affects your judgement. We don't want the festive celebrations marred by deaths and injuries on the road.

"The widespread social acceptance that drink- driving is anti-social means that there is little sympathy for anyone who finds themselves being charged and appearing before a court."

Nationwide up to 3,500 people are killed or seriously injured on the roads because of drink-driving with innocent victims making up nearly half of the injured.

In north and west Wiltshire from April to October drink-drivers made up one in every 10 people arrested, with nearly double the number of positive tests compared to the same six-month period last year.

Sgt Melvin said: "Could you live with yourself if you killed someone or maimed them for life?"

Police are also warning pedestrians not to walk home while heavily intoxicated and urged friends or family members to take responsibility for them.

Offenders willing to take the risk and drive under the influence will face driving bans, fines, court costs and the potential embarrassment of appearing in our hall of shame.

Chicago Rock Cafe is offering all designated drivers soft drinks over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Trowbridge-based bar is also offering a free meal to anyone actually called Des Driver.