PEOPLE who drink drive in December will be banned before Christmas police have warned.

Extra court time has been made available to ensure those who drink or drug drive in Advent will be off the roads before the holidays.

The move by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the courts will see extra time at magistrates’ courts to ensure offenders are dealt with fast.

Anyone caught in the early part of December can expect to be banned by Christmas.

Those caught later in the month will get their bans early in the New Year.

Police will be out in force to target drink or drug drivers.

Superintendent Jane Derrick, the head of roads policing, said: “I’m grateful for the courts and the CPS working with us to make these extra slots available so we can get drink and drug-drivers off the streets as quickly as possible.

“There is often a delay of weeks between an individual being charged and them appearing in court but these slots mean those charged with offences early in December could be dealt with by magistrates and banned from the roads in time for Christmas.

“There is no excuse for driving while over the limit or after taking drugs but there remains a small minority who refuse to believe the law applies to them.

“Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or you are still under the influence of from the night before. The loss of your licence is the Christmas present no one wants.”

Patrols will look for offenders while teams will respond to public tip-offs and spot checks will be set up in places with a history of drink-driving.

Motorists charged will have their names published. Last year 211 motorists were held on suspicion of drink or drug-driving offences. So far 135 have been convicted and five are still going through the courts.

If you know someone drink or drug driving call 999, text officers with details on 65999 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.