ESSEX Police force's annual summer campaign begins tomorrowwith this year's message focusing on 'morning-after' levels.The onset of warm weather and summer holidays has a significant impact on people's drinking habits, especially with countryside public houses and evening barbecues tempting everyone to drink alcohol at locations and times they would not otherwise normally do so.

ESSEX Police force's annual summer campaign begins tomorrowwith this year's message focusing on 'morning-after' levels.

The onset of warm weather and summer holidays has a significant impact on people's drinking habits, especially with countryside public houses and evening barbecues tempting everyone to drink alcohol at locations and times they would not otherwise normally do so.

Road policing officers across the county will be actively enforcing drink-drive laws, with Insp Steve Brewer hoping this year's campaign will help people focus on the dangers of driving the morning after a "heavy session".

"People should be able to enjoy themselves during the summer, without fear of the mindless section of society who choose to drink and drive," said Mr Brewer.

"Drink-driving kills and every year it destroys dozens of families and results in death and serious injury on our roads - for this reason we will target those responsible and look to bring offenders to justice.

"We're especially trying to educate people about driving the morning after a party or other similar celebration where drinking often goes on until the early hours of the morning.

"The human body breaks down alcohol at different rates, but if people are drinking through to the early hours of the morning, then they're unlikely to be in a fit state to drive later on that day."

Last summer's figures showed 3.5 per cent of motorists risked someone's life after drink-driving, with 80 drivers testing positive, which was a decrease of nearly three per cent on the previous year.

Mr Brewer added: "All I'm asking is that if you choose to drink alcohol, then please ask someone else to drive. If you don't, then you run the risk of killing or injuring someone, losing your driving licence and possibly your job - surely, it's not worth it.

"People are reminded that should they wish to drink and drive, then they increase the likelihood of being involved in a crash.

"People think it will never happen to them and try to convince themselves and others that they are fit to drive, unfortunately we all too often see the carnage they cause."

The results of the month-long campaign will be announced at the beginning of September.