ENJOYING that "one for the road" or having the "one you came in for" could leave Bury motorists counting the cost in more ways than one.

As part of the annual crackdown on summer drink-driving, Bury Traffic Unit officers are stepping up their offensive against drivers in an effort to make the borough's roads safer for everyone.

At the very least, hefty fines and lengthy bans beckon for those convicted of driving with excess alcohol who then face the risk of losing their jobs, or even their homes and families as a consequence of their recklessness.

At the most extreme, drivers who are over the limit may have to live with the horror of having killed an innocent road-user as even a single pint of beer or a quick dram can impair the motorist's reactions.

Sergeant Pam Hadfield of Bury's traffic unit said: "There is no excuse for drinking and driving. Working lunches, tea-time drinking and nights out can leave motorists over the legal limit.

"Our advice to drivers is leave alcohol alone or leave the car at home. Too many lives are lost because drivers are prepared to take the slightest risk with alcohol."