REPORTING a drink or drug driver could help save a life this Christmas, police said.

Wiltshire Police today launches its Christmas drink driving appeal, urging the public to call 999 if they think someone’s had one too many before getting behind the wheel.

Insp Mark Freeman said: “If you have concerns about someone who you believe is drink or drug driving then please call us – you could be saving someone’s life this Christmas.”

The head of the roads policing unit added: “Good quality local intelligence from members of the public allows us to target our resources on those who pose the greatest risk.

“Sometimes people will report a one-off incident in progress, for example, if they have seen someone leave a pub drunk and get straight into their car to drive home.

“But we also need information about those regular offenders, who perhaps always drink at the same establishment and drive the same route every Friday evening.”

Police say during December they will be stepping up patrols, with beat bobbies targeting motorists who have been flagged as potential drink or drug drivers.

The law allows people to have 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100ml of breath – or 80mgs in 100ml of blood. Drug limits vary, but the no tolerance approach taken by lawmakers mean the limits are very low.

With few – if any – work Christmas parties this year, officers are gearing up for a very different festive season.

Sgt Neil Bott said: “In previous years our annual Christmas campaign would have been heavily focused on people attending parties or social gatherings, reminding them to arrange lifts home or book taxis in advance.

“However, this year we know there will be different challenges with regards to drink driving.

“We know that more people will be drinking at home, perhaps dialling into virtual parties or activities.

“Therefore, we need to remind people that any consumption of alcohol, no matter what the social setting or circumstances, could be enough to put you over the legal limit and you need to be mindful of exactly how much you are drinking and whether you should be driving.

“Also, you need to remember that alcohol stays in your system for a number of hours, so you may need to be cautious about driving the next morning as well.”