POLICE are promising those caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs this festive season will face a miserable Christmas and a very unhappy New Year.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is asking the public to shop drink or drug-drivers by text if they see anyone getting behind the wheel under the influence.

The force’s Operation Tonic campaign got under way on Friday and will run until New Year’s Day.

Chief Inspector John Holt, of the force’s operations and roads policing unit, said: “Drink and drug driving is totally unacceptable and is a serious crime. Most people regard it as socially and morally wrong and I’m sure they fully support our all-year round campaign to make roads safer for everyone.”

Last Christmas, 231 people gave positive breath or drugs tests - 13 for drugs. A total of 11,984 vehicles were stopped and 1,771 were given breath or drugs tests.

Just over 50 text messages were received giving information about law breakers.

The text system asks the public to text the word ‘drunk’ and any relevant details to 81819.

The force said it was well-received when introduced last year and it is hoped the initiative will catch even more offenders and deter more drivers from taking to the roads when they shouldn’t.

The push is part of the force’s Have The Christmas You Deserve campaign, which incorporates a range of activities to tackle issues relating to the holiday season.