POLICE have launched their annual campaign to crack down on drink and drug driving in the region.

And as part of this year's initiative, the West Yorkshire force is highlighting to drivers and motorcyclists the potential consequences if they take to the roads over the limit.

The #WYPTheCost campaign warns that offenders could end up in a prison cell, with a hefty fine and the loss of their licence – and in the worst-case scenario, have to live with the knowledge that they've seriously injured or killed someone.

A video has been released – at youtube.com/watch?v=imQMbIIQWRY – spotlighting how one person, Tanya Palmer, is still affected 20 months after being involved in a collision. The other driver was convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis for alcohol or drugs.

Inspector Chris Robinson, of the West Yorkshire roads policing unit, says: "We talk a lot about the consequences and cost for the offender because it is their behaviour that we need to change, but Tanya’s story really brings home the impact on other innocent road users.

"If you’re someone who sometimes drives whilst over the limit, then I would ask you to think how you would feel if you were involved in a collision.

"You might think you are fine to drive or ride your motorcycle after a few pints or taking drugs, but every day we are arresting people with exactly the same mindset. There are many reasons why we conduct breathalyser or drug tests, but it is often because of a drop in the standard of driving or riding or because a collision has occurred.

"Please plan ahead this Christmas and rather than driving or riding your motorcycle, find alternative transport. If your plans change then consider how you will get home. The small inconvenience of having to collect your vehicle the next day far outweighs being arrested and facing a potential conviction for a drink or drug driving offence.

"If a friend or family member is planning to drive whilst over the limit then please also remind them of the consequences and encourage them to reconsider their plans."

West Yorkshire Police are also stepping up enforcement in support of a national drink and drug drive operation, which runs until New Year's Day.

During last year’s regional campaign, there were 221 arrests for drink driving, 95 for drug driving and 19 for failing to provide a sample.