Kent Police has launched its Christmas campaign to clamp down on drink driving.

Officers saw an increase in motorists driving while over the limit at the beginning of December.

In the first two weeks, 18 people were charged with drink driving about a 50 per cent rise from average levels at other times of the year.

Fourteen of these people were charged after having been in a traffic accident, while the others were randomly checked.

Efforts to counter drink driving in the county are similar to last year.

Kent Police's Traffic Management Unit is leading the fight county-wide, while North Kent Police patrols are carrying out random checks.

Officers are concerned motorists are unaware they might be over the limit the morning after a heavy night as festive celebrations get into full swing.

Kent's Sergeant Jerry Hollands said: "If you drink at a party, assume that you may still be a risk to yourself and other road users the next day.

"A few hours or even a night's sleep is not enough.

"Your judgement may still be impaired."

Kent Police will be adding its statistics gathered from December 18 to January 2, 2002 to a national record, as recommended by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

December 20, 2001 10:30