COPS have launched their summer campaign against dodgy drivers with some new kit to catch motorists under the influence.

Officers from Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) – an alliance of West Midlands, West Mercia and Staffordshire Police – will, for the first time, be equipped with mobile drug testing kits to check suspects who they believe to have taken cannabis or cocaine.

Officers will be using a number of strategies during the campaign including operating roadside checkpoints, patrolling in unmarked cars, acting on tip-offs from the public and targeting likely risk-taking individuals or venues where drink driving is thought to take place.

CMPG chief inspector Jed White said: “Randomly pulling people over doesn’t work and unfairly inconveniences innocent motorists.

“Our approach is intelligence-led, targeting people and vehicles we believe to be drink-drive risk takers…and it’s working as our ‘hit rate’ on arresting drink-drivers is almost four times the national average.

“Every year our officers have to break news to families that a loved one has died as a result of someone drink-driving…it’s a top priority for us to ensure that the numbers of families left to grieve is reduced year on year.”

The month-long campaign began on June 1 and on the first day 37 drivers were tested. Two people were arrested on suspicion of being over the limit, two more were arrested after being considered unfit to drive, and one for refusing to provide a breath test.

A 21-year-old man was arrested after testing positive for cannabis on a mobile drug kit and bailed to await the result of more tests.

Vicki Bristow, communications manager for the Warwickshire and West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, added: "During the summer months, we all enjoy the longer evenings but this often puts people in situations where they may be drinking more than usual.

“The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving, as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.”

Anyone who suspects someone is drink or drug driving should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.