MEMBERS of the public are being asked to shop a drink or drug driver before they wreck someone else's Christmas.

It is part of Operation Tonic, Avon and Somerset Police's annual month-long campaign launched today.

The initiative will feature high visibility and covert patrols aimed at targeting drink and drug drivers.

And anyone spotting a drink or drug driver is being urged to call 999 if it is happening now or texting the word 'Drunk' with brief details of the car, location and driver to 81819 if it is not someone currently driving.

Police hope the campaign will help reduce deaths, serious injuries and crime on force area's roads.

Drink/drugs driving is one of the 'fatal four' offences, together with speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving that cause the majority of deaths on our roads.

Last year Operation Tonic led to 155 arrests out of more than 1,430 people breathalysed, with 96 people charged, while in December 2014 there were 106 arrests and 59 people charged.

Chief Inspector Kevan Rowlands, head of road safety at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Our message is very simple - if you get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs, you are risking your life and the lives of those around you.

“Each year we are disappointed to see the number of people who are still willing to take that risk. Even one driver caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs is one too many.

“Our aim is to work with our partners to educate people about the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving and to send out a strong message that to do so is morally and socially unacceptable.

"It is not just us who can help make a difference. We are asking the public to help by calling 999 if they see someone who they believe is driving while over the limit, or providing information by texting us on 81819 starting the text with the word ‘Drunk’.”