"NO excuses!"

That is the message from Barrow Police to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel of a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs this Christmas.

Sergeant Sara Seath has warned of the potentially fatal risks of some one getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

“Our message is simple - do not drink drive and do not take drugs and drive. There’s no excuse,” she said.

“The consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst unfit to do so could be fatal.

“Drivers lucky enough to be arrested before causing a collision also face losing their licence and, potentially, their livelihood.

“Simply taking the time to plan ahead – arrange lifts or a taxi - will mean you are never tempted to get behind the wheel whilst impaired.”

She added: “We do want people to enjoy themselves during the Christmas period, but an enjoyable night means a safe night – not one that ends up in hospital or in one of our cells.

“We want to urge the public to continue to report anyone that they suspect is driving under the influence of drink or drugs to the police immediately and those calls will be treated as an emergency. Our officers will continue to work hard all year round to keep Cumbria’s Roads safe.”

According to the government’s website, there are strict alcohol limits for drivers, but it is impossible to say exactly how many drinks this equals as it is different for each person.

The alcohol limit for drivers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per100 millilitres of breath or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

Drink drivers will also be faced with prospect of losing their licence - which could also lead to you losing your job.