The Department for Transport launched its summer drink drive message on Tuesday with vehicles including a taxi, police car, ambulance and hearse.

The message behind the scheme is 'How will you get home tonight?'

Statistics for 2001-2003 show 16 people died across the north-east of England and Cumbria in accidents where at least one driver failed a breath test.

The statistics show the number of fatal accidents has increased in recent years with hundreds of others injured.

Government Office for the North East head of road safety Penny Marshall said: "Over the years the drink drive advertisements have had a major impact in driving down the number of casualties where drink has been a factor.

"There is now a social stigma developing about drinking and driving and this too is a good thing.

"But recently there has been a worrying up turn in the number of people drinking and driving."