MANY drivers will start the New Year by checking bus timetables and phoning around for lifts, say Wiltshire police, who promise to come down hard on those who risk lives by drinking and driving.

The force is participating in the Government's annual drink-drive campaign which this year uses the slogan: drinking and driving is one Christmas tradition we can do without.

The TV and poster campaign will contain the usual shocking footage of actual crashes caused by drinking and driving, but police admit that it is the prospect of losing their licences that deters most drivers from drinking before they get behind the wheel.

Inspector Dave Bennett, of the central traffic group based at Devizes police station, says his officers will be targeting those who are still willing to chance their arm by driving while over the legal limit.

He said: "We undertake structured checks for drink driving for which we are granted powers under the Road Traffic Act. We can stop vehicles at a particular place and check for vehicle defects.

"We will, of course, need to speak to the driver during this and if an officer finds the law has been broken or suspects the driver is driving while under the influence, he has automatic powers to breathalyse.

"The large majority of drivers, when asked what deters them most from drinking and driving, said it is the fact they are going to get caught."

Wiltshire police have managed to reduce the carnage on the county roads by more than 50 per cent in the last 12 years by using the three Es education, enforcement and engineering.

Though enforcement is only one strand of the traffic department's approach, it is the one that will be uppermost during the Christmas and New Year period.

Wiltshire Constabulary recently co-operated in a Europe-wide drink/drive campaign. Between 6am on November 18 and 6am the following day, officers breath-tested nearly 200 drivers at the roadside.

In the Salisbury division, which takes in Devizes and Marlborough, 85 drivers were stopped at 24 different locations and four were arrested after testing positive for excess alcohol.

In the Chippenham division, which includes Calne, Malmesbury, Corsham and Wootton Bassett, 84 were tested at 39 locations and two tested positive.

Sgt Dave Melvin, force road safety officer, said: "The messages regarding the dangers of drinking and driving are understood and heeded by many but ignored by some, and seven drivers were arrested during this short campaign.

"In the run-up to the Christmas and New Year celebrations, this should serve as a warning to all those who are prepared to ignore the advice and the dangers.

"If you drink and drive, you not only risk your safety and the safety of others, you also risk your driving licence and perhaps your livelihood as well."

The minimum sentence for being over the limit is a one-year ban, but those who are significantly over the limit can face prison and fines of up to £5,000.