WARRINGTON police are backing a new Christmas drink drive campaign launched by the Government this week.

The campaign warns drivers that it takes less than you might think for your driving to be impaired by alcohol, and highlights the potential dangers to both motorists and pedestrians.

Initiatives include the display of anti-drink drive messages on milk cartons, non-alcoholic cocktail messages in pubs and displays in selected off licences, bars and pubs chains.

Sgt Joe Royle, of Warrington's Road Policing Unit, said: "We will be fully supporting the campaign and we will be out looking for people who drink and drive against all advice and common sense."

Alistair Darling, Transport Secretary of State, said: "As we enter the festive period it is essential that motorists remember that if they are going to drink, they should either leave their car at home or get someone else to drive.

"You can't calculate your own drink drive limit and the only safe way is not to drink and drive."

The Government has published its Road Safety Bill that contains measures to: allow breath tests taken at the side of the road to be used as evidence in court; make the worst drink drivers face a re-test and allow convicted drink-drivers to face 'alcohol locks', devices which need a clear breath test before the car will start.