Drink-driving crackdown underway

Northumbria Police has begun its seasonal crack down on drink-driving.

Officers will be breath testing all drivers involved in collisions during December and carrying out additional routine breath tests.

Police said anyone who fails a drink or drug test faces a minimum one-year driving ban and a fine.

In addition, for one week from 8 December, mobile camera vans will be out across the force area looking for people driving while on the phone.

Ch Insp John Barnes from Northumbria Police said: "We don't want to stop people enjoying themselves, but they must not be tempted to drive after they've been drinking.

"They could be risking their own lives and the lives of others."