Police are promising drink-drivers some unpleasant Christmas presents.

It’s part of the force’s campaign over the festive period, which they have called ’Operation Red Christmas’.

Officers will greet those found over the limit with an unwanted present they won’t be able to return.

Images of the gift no one wants, such as handcuffs, a breathalyser kit or a cell door, wrapped in a red ribbon, are part of the publicity for the campaign.

Officers will be deployed across the island during the campaign period.

The police’s campaign supports the #DrinkSafeIOM campaign led by the government’s public health team to highlight the many risks excessive drinking presents - to individuals, their families and the wider community.

Samantha Heard, police road safety manager, said: ’We want everyone to enjoy and keep safe this festive season.

’Drink-driving shatters lives, we urge people to be responsible and to plan their journeys ahead.

’Alongside public health, we have worked closely with Bus Vannin to provide timetable information. Don’t ruin your or anyone else’s Christmas.’

Chief Inspector Darrill Pearson, head of roads policing, said: ’Operation Red Christmas targets all alcohol-related offending, and this includes drink driving.

’The significant impact one drink driver can have in a community is immense and I would urge people to plan ahead and think carefully during this festive period. If you are having a drink, do not drive.’

The message from the police:

To make alternative arrangements to get home so that you don’t ruin anyone’s Christmas.

Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive

There is no fool-proof way of drinking and staying under the limit

Sobering-up tricks do not work

f you have been out drinking the night before you may still be over the limit the next day