DRINK and drug drivers are set to get the summertime blues from cops planning a month-long roadside blitz.

West Midlands Police today (June 1) kicked off their campaign to stamp out people driving under the influence.

The initiative is part of a nationwide crackdown which will include roadside stop-checks across the region and intelligence-led operations to target hotspot areas.

Pc Steve Rogers, from the force traffic unit, said: “Drink driving is an issue all year, but with the warmer weather people often spend more time eating and drinking socially. The temptation to get into the car after an evening out can be great.

“However, we need to make it clear that alcohol directly affects your ability to drive. There is no foolproof way of drinking and staying under the limit, or of knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.

“Each person's tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors including weight, age, metabolism and current stress levels.”

People caught driving while in no fit state face a variety of penalties including up to 14 years in prison if someone dies as a result of careless driving due to drink or drugs.

Offences need not just include illegal substances, prescription or over-the-counter products can also affect perception, concentration and reaction times.

The message seems to be getting through, last year’s Christmas campaign saw a drop in over the limit tests in the West Midlands region to 8.2 per cent from 13.2 per cent in 2009.

In neighbouring Worcestershire, where 63 people have died in the last three years as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs, West Mercia Police are also promising tough action to target dodgy drivers.

Acting Supt Lee Davenport, head of the West Mercia Force Operations Department said: “Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.

“If you are tempted to drive under the influence of drink or drugs this summer then spare a thought for your family, friends and other innocent road users and think hard about what you will put them through if you cause a crash.”