POLICE in the Folkestone and Hythe area are warning drivers about the consequences of drink/driving after seven arrests in just one week.

With less than two months before the annual Christmas drink/drive campaign begins, officers are concerned about the numbers of drivers still committing offences.

Motorists who are charged with the offence face a driving ban, and could be fined up to £5,000, and up to six in prison.

In addition there is a financial cost to the community when drink/driving is a contributory factor in an accident. The average cost (including emergency services, insurance costs, pain, suffering, aftercare and loss of earnings) to the community for every accident can range from £16,000 to more than £1 million.

Sgt Sean Pryor, of the Chief of Staff office at Folkestone Police Station, said: “There has been a great deal of publicity in recent years about the consequences of drink/driving. It is therefore a matter of concern that many drivers appear to still be doing it.

“Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that we do not just enforce the drink/driving laws in the run up to Christmas and the festive season, but all through the year.

“The best advice, as we have said many times, is if you are going to have a drink – don’t drive.”