DRIVERS in Norfolk and Suffolk will be receiving advice and live information through social media about drink-drive checks tomorrow as part of this year’s Christmas campaign.

Throughout the day messages will be sent on the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary Twitter accounts and on both Facebook pages to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving, offer alternatives for those who are enjoying a festive drink, and provide an insight into the patrols carried out by the joint Roads Policing Unit.

Head of Roads Policing in Norfolk and Suffolk, Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, said: “We are almost halfway through our festive campaign, and party season is getting into full swing.

“Nationally 65% of drink-drive incidents happen on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, so this is a key time to remind people to think twice before getting into their car.

“Our drink-drive patrols are continuing, with Roads Policing and other uniformed officers from both forces stopping any drivers who cause them concern and breath testing as appropriate.

“On Twitter and Facebook we will be showing followers what officers are encountering on both counties’ roads and what happens when we carry out breath tests.

“Whilst anyone arrested won’t be identified on the day, anyone charged with drink or drug driving can expect to be identified when they go to court, and those found guilty can expect a driving ban, a fine and a criminal record.”

Follow @NorfolkPolice and @SuffolkPolice on Twitter for tomorrow’s updates. The hashtag #dontdrinkdrive will be used as this is also being used by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and other police forces to reinforce the drink-drive message.

Live updates from Roads Policing officers will be issued from 7.30am in Norfolk and 7pm in Suffolk.

Questions about the campaign and drink driving can also be tweeted and posted by followers and fans.

During last year’s Christmas campaign 5,958 drivers were breath tested and 185 tested positive. So far during this year’s campaign 72 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving or related offences.