Drivers have been warned of a new "zero tolerance" policy campaign, which could see motorists slapped with fines and have their driving licence immediately suspended.
A nationwide police campaign known as Operation Limit sees forces specifically targets drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Essex Police has revealed it will be taking part in the campaign and will begin taking tougher action towards drink and drug driving.
As part of the operation, Roads Policing Unit officers will be carrying out targeted patrols across Essex, stopping drivers who they suspect may be breaking the law by driving above the legal limits.
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The police will also work with Safer Essex Roads Partnership to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said: "Driving under the influence has been a key factor in some of the most serious collisions on Essex's roads this year.
"My officers continue to see a worryingly high number of people who think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel with alcohol or drugs in their system. Both can stay in your system much longer than you think, so you may not even realise you're over the limit."
He warned drivers across the UK that the message is clear: "If you drink or drug drive, you can expect to be stopped and arrested."
Drivers can be fined and arrested by the police for travelling while under the influence of drugs or alcohol | PAThe police stated that if a driver is arrested, they could lose their driving licence, which in some cases could mean they lose their job. "If you lose your job, you could lose your home, and that could mean you lose your family," the police warned.
The police force added: "Driving after drinking is dangerous and illegal. It slows your reactions, affects your judgement, and puts lives at risk - yours and everyone else's. Drug driving is just as serious."
In the UK, drivers who cause a crash and seriously injure or kill someone can be arrested, lose their licence, and face a court appearance.
The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is currently 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
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The police will be carrying out roadside testing for drivers suspected of drug or drink driving
|ESSEX POLICE
The police said that throughout December, they will be using "every power we have" to stop drink and drug drivers from causing havoc on UK roads.
Elsewhere, the same operation will be taking place in Lincolnshire, with police forces here carrying out extra patrols with checkpoints at key locations for breathalyser testing.
Inspector Jason Baxter of the Roads Policing Unit said: "Operation Limit is about education, engagement and enforcement on drink and drug driving, which is one of our Fatal Five.
"We are reminding drivers of the consequences of being over the limit, which can include a hefty fine, a driving ban, and a criminal conviction."
The police force will begin a targeted campaign this Christmas to prevent drink or drug driving
|ESSEX POLICE
Meanwhile, Surrey Police revealed that last year, the operation saw 196 drink or drug driver arrests, while the force carried out 2310 roadside breath tests and 474 drug wipe tests.
Chief Inspector Karen Coyne, Roads Policing Operational Command Lead at Surrey Police, explained that while the festive period should be about spending time with friends, families, "some people make ill-advised choices to get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs".
She stressed: "This decision can and does cost lives, but these deaths are all entirely avoidable if people choose not to put themselves and others at risk.
"While we cannot always prevent people from driving when over the limit, we will be relentless in pursuing those who do."