POLICE in the Medway Towns have teamed up with the local council in a bid to reduce road traffic collisions over the Christmas period.

Wreckages of cars have been placed in accident "hotspots" to provide a visual warning to motorists about the dangers of speeding and drink driving.

The action is supported by the ongoing efforts of Medway police officers to target drink drivers this festive season.

PC Andy Ledger, roads policing officer, said: "The wreckages have been placed in high profile areas so we can send the road safety message to as many motorists as possible.

"Police officers see first hand the death and misery caused by drink driving. Too many people are killed on our roads.’

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: "It is a proven fact that drink driving kills. Medway Council is fully supportive and committed to working with Kent Police in an effort to tackle this problem."

The cars have been provided by Auto Renovations. As well as this visual campaign patrol officers will be on the lookout for drink drivers as the party season begins.

PC Ledger said: "Throughout the campaign all drivers who have been involved in collisions where police attend will be breath tested and officers will be vigilant to drunk drivers.

"I would ask people not to drink any alcohol rather than limiting what they drink. There is no sure way to tell how your body reacts to drinking and if you are in fact over the limit.

"To ensure that we can be as effective as possible, we are asking for people to contact us if they know of someone driving while intoxicated. Though I understand some people could feel uneasy about doing this, they may just save somebody’s life."

Police in Medway have issued their top five tips for safe motoring this festive season:

* Don’t drink and drive, there is no safe limit

* Designate a driver who doesn’t drink that night

* Make alternative arrangements to get home

* Don’t get in a car with someone who has been drinking

* Report drunk drivers to the police