POLICE roadside checks are under way in Wyre Forest following the launch of the annual drink-drive campaign.

Unmarked patrol cars will be out and about targeting bad driving in a bid to drive down the annual seasonal toll of alcohol-related accidents. Patrols will be paying particular attention to vehicles leaving pubs and other licensed premises.

This year's campaign features images of a bus, taxi, police car, ambulance and hearse with the message, "Who's taking you home tonight?"

Drivers found to be over the limit and convicted of drink-driving face a 12-month ban, fines of £5,000 and a prison sentence.

Owners of vehicles found to be defective during roadside checks could be handed a fine of up to £60 and three penalty points. More serious cases of vehicles in a dangerous condition carry fines of up to £5,000 and disqualification. Roadside checks will continue into the New Year.

Sgt John Roberts, force road safety officer, said: "The stark message is if people drink and drive they are running a serious risk of being killed, injured or ending up in the back of a police car."