THE mother of a teenage girl girl killed by a speeding driver is fronting a Christmas campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.

And anyone charged with drink or drug driving over the festive period will be publicly named and shamed.

Avon and Somerset Police have today (Tuesday, December 1) launched their month-long Operation Tonic to remind motorists of the dangers and consequences of being over the limit behind the wheel.

The aim of the initiative is to help reduce deaths, serious injuries and crime on the roads by tackling drink and drug driving.

Jane Hofmeister, of Taunton, whose daughter Amy was killed by a speeding drink driver four years ago, is helping spread the word through Think Amy.

The charity aims to educate drivers, particularly young and new ones, about their responsibilities to all road users.

The force will again publicly name every motorist charged with a drink or drug driving offence, just as they did last Christmas and over the summer.

Traffic officers will be using 'drugalyser' devices at the roadside to test drivers for suspected drugs, including cannabis and cocaine, using new laws that came in earlier this year.

Drug drivers could face an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a minimum one-year driving ban.

Other police activity during the month will include vehicle stop-checks, targeted patrols and awareness-raising at events and in pubs and bars.

Officers are urging anyone concerned about someone they believe may be drink or drug driving to call the force on 101 or text the word 'drunk' with as many details as possible to 81819.

In June's Operation Tonic, 974 drivers were breathalysed, up from 472 in 2014, with 78 compared, down from 97. A total of 17 roadside drug tests were carried out.

Road Safety Chief Inspector Yannis Georgiou said: “We are determined to do whatever we can to stop people driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

"If just one collision or death is prevented, then our campaign will be a success.

“The message is clearer than ever - there is no excuse and we will arrest any drivers who are suspected to be driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is not only a crime, it is socially and morally unacceptable and can have devastating consequences.

“The police are committed to keeping the roads of Avon and Somerset safe for all that use them."