Officers in the Cotswolds have started this year's Christmas Anti-Drink and Drug Drive campaign.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team from Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester together with officers from roads policing started the campaign with high-visibility road checks which resulted in speed offences detected and numerous breath tests conducted.

A new set of measures are being used to help stop intoxicated drivers getting behind the wheel in the first place and to catch those who don't heed the warnings.

The team have visited licensed premises in Cirencester to remind owners of their responsibilities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl has also issued an open letter to licensees, bar staff and road users asking them to avoid alcohol and use alternative means of transport to get home safely.

A new task force of roads policing officers will be running proactive drink drive campaigns alongside the Special Constabulary across the county – with the first week seeing vehicle stops in the Cotswolds, Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Forest of Dean, Dursley and Tewkesbury areas.

While 999 should always be used in an emergency when time is of the essence, a new police text number – 07860 009 095 – will give people the chance to report information discreetly about regular drink drivers or someone they suspect is likely to drink drive but hasn't yet headed for their vehicle.