The national summer crackdown on drink-driving will be launched in Norfolk today – and police have pledged to catch anyone driving under the influence of either drink or drugs.

As part of the month-long crackdown, police officers will be out in force and have vowed to carry out roadside checks at all times of the day and night and on all types of road.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley, the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead on drink and drug driving, said: 'Every year forces successfully concentrate their resources on preventing and detecting drink- and drug-drivers across the UK.

'In 2009, 17pc of people killed on our roads died in a collision involving a drink-driver and nearly 12,000 were injured.

'This tragic and needless waste of human life is totally unacceptable and we will continue to use intelligence to target offenders, as well as carrying out volume testing at the roadside.

'We will carry out roadside checks at all times of the day and night and on all types of road. This means that if you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is a good chance you will be stopped and tested.'

Last year just under 101,000 people were stopped and tested nationally during the 30-day summer campaign with 5.6pc testing positive or refusing a test.

Mr Gormley added: 'Summer is a time for socialising and having fun and this year will be no exception. Our message is clear. Have fun, drink if you want to, but don't then get behind the wheel and drive.

'If you take that risk you will be caught.'

Road safety minister Mike Penning said drivers should be in no doubt that if they were caught behind the wheel under the influence they risked losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

He added: 'We are taking forward measures to make it easier for the police to tackle drink and drug driving and protect law abiding road users including plans for drug-testing kits to help detect drug-drivers and tightening the law on drink-driving.

'The number of drink-driving deaths has fallen by more than 75pc since 1979.

'But drink- and drug-driving still kills hundreds of people, that is why we want to help the police take tough action to tackle these reckless drivers.'