FESTIVE drink-drive suspects in Bradford will find details of the allegations against them made public even before the cases get to court, police announced today.

West Yorkshire Police will for the first time publish details of the charges made against those suspected of drink driving, driving while unfit or failing to provide a specimen during this year's festive campaign which starts today and runs throughout December.

For the first time the force is planning to release the names of those charged, their home town and details of where they were arrested.

The tough move to put the spotlight on those suspected of offending is aimed at encouraging motorists to realise it is not worth the risk of driving after drinking.

Details of those facing prosecution will be posted daily on the force's website and also publicised via Twitter.

Last year, 42 people were arrested in Bradford for drink and drug driving related offences, from a total of 157 across the county.

Most were in the 25 to 34 age group with the most likely time for offenders to be caught being in the hour after midnight following Saturday nights out.

Inspector Joanne Field, who leads West Yorkshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: ‘‘Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is always a significant danger, but at Christmas the risks are even more prevalent with darker nights, bad weather and sadly, more people taking the risk by drinking and then getting behind the wheel.

‘‘Each year we stop hundreds of people who are clearly not in a fit state to drive through drink or drugs.

"The 2014 campaign is about hammering home the message that on a daily basis people across West Yorkshire are risking theirs and other people's lives and that drink driving has extremely serious consequences.’’ A conviction for driving while under the influence of drink and drugs will lead to a criminal record, a driving ban of at least a year and a fine up to £5,000.

‘‘The effect of a drink driving conviction can be devastating. In my time as an officer, I have seen people lose their job, career and marriage. If you're going out to drink any amount please leave your car keys at home. It's simply not worth the risk.’’ added Inspector Field.

The force is using the 'It's not worth the risk' message to re-enforce its contribution to the national Christmas drink driving campaign and will use the hashtag #NotWorthThe Risk on its Twitter account, @WestYorksPolice.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Milsom said: ‘‘Last year we saw the largest number of arrests for drink and drug driving related offences for both men and women fall between the ages of 25-34 years.

"This is a generation of people that have grown up with the current drink driving laws and it's a very concerning trend.

‘‘It's vitally important these people, many of which will be forging their careers and who may have a young family, realise the life-limiting consequences associated with a drink or drug driving conviction."