FOOTBALL fans have been warned the full Cheshire Police squad will be waiting on the sidelines to tackle drink and drug drivers during Euro 2016.

As the public prepares to get behind our lions, Cheshire Roads Policing team have launched its annual crackdown on drink and drug drivers.

The initiative coincides with Euro 2016, which starts on Friday, and is set to run until July 10.

Throughout this period officers from the roads policing team will be specifically target drivers who they believe may be influence of drugs or alcohol.

Insp Steve Griffiths said: “The Euros are a time to celebrate and whilst I want people to have a good time and enjoy the football tournament.

“I’m also keen to remind people about the dangers, and the consequences, of drink and drug driving.

“Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous. It affects your reaction time, making it harder for you to judge your speed, judge your distance between you and other vehicles and notice potential hazards.

“All of this means that you are more likely to be involved in a collision whilst driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.

“As well as the dangers, there are also serious consequences for anyone who is caught drink or drug driving.

“Not only do they face losing their licence, but they also face a large fine, going to court and even the possibility of a prison sentence – all of which could have a big impact upon their life and may affect their employment.”

The police will also be equipped with roadside drug testing kits, which can instantly detect whether a driver is under the influence of cannabis or cocaine.

Since the introduction of the drug drive laws in March 2015, a total of 683 people in Cheshire have been arrested on suspicion of drug driving, compared to 70 in the whole of 2014.

Insp Griffiths said: “I’d advise anyone who is planning to go out and watch the football to think twice before you drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel.

“Otherwise the likelihood is that you may end up spending time staring a cell wall rather than watching the football.”

Anyone who suspects that somebody is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol should call Cheshire Police on 999 or 101.