Members of public will be able to report drink-drivers via text over the festive season.

The initiative, launched by the Surrey Police, has been set to appeal to people unlikely to call police.

Inspector Richard Mallett from Surrey Police’s road policing unit said: “With the festive party season about to begin please resist the temptation to drink and drive.

“Plan your evening ahead and have a designated driver - anyone tempted to get behind the wheel with alcohol in their system not only risks taking their own life but the lives of others.

“Getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs could lead them to being banned from driving, fined up to £5,000 or even facing a six-month prison sentence.

“I urge mobile phone users in Surrey to save our dedicated number “66644” in their phone so that they can text ‘POLICE’ followed by the details of anyone they suspect to be drink-driving to us – it may save a life. But don’t drive and text.”

The messaging service will run from December 1 to January 1.