The government has launched a £740,000 summer anti drink-drive campaign with police announcing they will carry out extra checks on motorists.

The campaign will include radio adverts, pub posters and a short online film warning motorists of the heavy costs they face if they drink and drive.

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) said police would be "stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June".

Road safety minister Stephen Hammond said: "Drink-driving is a menace and drivers should be clear that if they get behind the wheel over the limit this summer, they will lose their licence, get a criminal record, and face a fine. They could even end up in jail.

“Nobody wants to spend their summer in a prison cell so whether you are drinking in the pub or at a friend's barbeque, make sure you do not drink and drive - it could have devastating consequences for you and for others."

Acpo's roads policing section head, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said: "Police take this offence very seriously and experience shows us that courts take a very dim view of anyone who is caught.

"It is appalling that in 2013 we still have to remind people not to drink or take drugs and drive. To combat this, we will be stopping and testing thousands more drivers throughout the month of June.

"For causing death while driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drivers could face 14 years' imprisonment.

"These deaths are avoidable if drivers simply make the decision not to drink or take drugs and drive, or make alternative arrangements to get home from summer time events."

AA president Edmund King said: "It's not just freedom of the road drivers lose by drink-driving - it's freedom, full-stop. Even if drink-driving doesn't end in a crash, it is likely to lead to a separation from the car for at least 12 months if caught.

"If you are going to drive, don't drink and if you are going to drink, don't drive."