POLICE are cracking down on drink drivers and urging members of the public to report on persistent offenders.

Thames Valley Police and Crimestoppers are urging drivers not to drink and drive.

They are appealing for members of the public to help stop the death toll by contacting Crimestoppers if they suspect someone is a persistent drink-driver.

Inspector Dave Hartin, head of the Thames Valley Police Traffic Intelligence and Operations Unit, said: "The summer months are historically among the worst. The problem is, while the weather is warm, people are tempted to have an additional drink to keep cool. While the best option is not to drink at all if you are planning to drive, unfortunately there is a hardcore of people who choose to ignore this advice and continue to put the lives of others at risk."

Between May 30, 1996 and June 1 this year, there were 1,554 fatal and injury accidents in the UK that were drink-related. Of these, 527 occurred during the summer months.