“Jingle bells, here’s our cells, open every day... If you drive with drink or drugs, you’ll soon be on your way.”

This is the message being issued as Surrey and Sussex Police launch their 2018 Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers.

To coincide with this, the forces are introducing a number of colourful characters to illustrate the effects of driving under the influence.

Chief Inspector Andy Gooch, of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Arguably the hardest part of any police officer’s job is telling someone that one of their loved ones has died. When you consider it could so easily have been avoided, it becomes even harder.

“Drink and drug-driving destroys lives. It happens year on year and sadly, despite our repeated warnings, there will always be a minority of selfish and shameful individuals who still continue to put the lives of themselves and others at risk.

“Our aims of this campaign are to save lives by deterring people from drink and drug-driving, and to deal robustly with offenders.”

Surrey and Sussex Police will have a number of officers committed to the campaign, which runs from December 1 to January 1 inclusive.

Details of those convicted – including their name, age, address and occupation – will be published online. This is in line with previous campaigns, with the intention to deter people from getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

During the last campaign in June, officers in Surrey conducted 898 breath tests and administered 83 drug tests resulting in 130 arrests (60 of which were for drug driving).

Chief Insp Gooch added: “If you’re going to consume drink or drugs, we’d encourage you to plan ahead – walk home, book a taxi, take public transport or get a lift with someone sober. Never get into a vehicle with someone you know is over the limit.

“Also be mindful of the amount of time it takes for substances to leave your body. Even if you’ve slept for several hours, you could still be over the limit the next morning. And a coffee and a cold shower won’t speed up the process.”

If you know someone is driving whilst over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, text officers on 65999 with the details of anyone suspected of drink or drug-driving.