Road users across England and Wales are being urged to act responsibly this summer and pledge not to consume any amount of drugs or alcohol if they plan to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has this week (June 1st) launched its annual summer drink and drug-driving enforcement campaign, with the aim to protect innocent road users and vulnerable groups from the damage that can be caused by irresponsible drivers.

Last year, almost 70,000 people were stopped and breathalysed on the nation's roads, with around 4,000 arrests made.

This year, roadside drug tests have been introduced in the UK for the first time and this means individuals suspected of being under the influence of drugs will no longer be required to have blood samples taken at the nearest police station before an assessment of their fitness to drive can be carried out.

It is hoped that this new measure will become a considerable deterrent to drug-driving across the country.

Brake's deputy chief executive Julie Townsend welcomed the NPCC announcement and has called for all motorists to play their part in keeping the nation's roads safe.

"We believe drink-driving is becoming more and more socially unacceptable in the UK, further aided by the lowering of the drink-drive limit in Scotland at the end of last year," Ms Townsend stated.

"The new drug-drive law introduced in March was also an important step in catching risky impaired drivers. However, there is a long way to go to stamp out this menace completely, as a selfish minority continue to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs."

She added that families and loved ones can also play a crucial role in road safety by looking out for those who may irresponsibly wish to take to the roads and stopping them.