MOTORISTS who are charged with drink-driving this Christmas face being named and shamed by police.

For the first time, Avon and Somerset Constabulary will be naming every driver who is charged with being drunk or drugged behind the wheel.

The new hardline policy will operate during December and into the new year, and is part of an annual drive to keep roads safe over the festive period, which will also include vehicle stop-checks.

Road Safety Supintendent Richard Corrigan says offenders will have their names and details published online and made available to the media.

He said: “This is another tool in our campaign to stop people driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. If just one person is persuaded not to take to the road as a result, then it is worthwhile as far as we are concerned.

“People who drink or drugs drive have made a deliberate choice to ignore 50 years of warnings and messages about the dangers. It is not ignorance.” The tough stance was backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

She said: “Most people already know the dangers but for some people the deterrent will be a fear that their family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours will find out about what they stand accused of.”