SMASHED-UP cars have been put up on roadsides in the Medway area to warn motorists of the horrific consequences of drink-driving.

Police, have displayed the cars with the banners "Don't Get Smashed this Christmas," as an average of two people a day have been arrested on suspicion of driving over the limit.

The effort is part of Medway police's contribution to a wider campaign against drink-driving.

Crash investigation officer PC Alison Hollis said: "These cars show the least of the damage caused by drink-driving.

"Some of the actual injuries caused to victims are indescribable and of course there is the terrible bereavement caused."

The wrecked cars have been put up at roundabouts at Four Elms near Chattenden, Hoath Way in Gillingham and Horsted in Chatham.

From December 1 to last Friday Medway police have carried out 237 breath tests, leading to 38 arrests.

Of those, 26 people were charged and there are seven cases pending further inquiries.

PC David Brett, a family liaison officer, said: "Because of drink-driving a family can lose a loved-one suddenly and of course every Christmas after that becomes the anniversary of the death.''

Medway Police launched its campaign on December 1, running alongside the wider initiative between Kent Police, Road Safety for Medway, Kent County Council and Medway Council.

The Medway Messenger is currently naming and shaming those charged with drink-driving.

Acting Insp Paul Anderson said: "Anyone drinking and driving is playing Russian roulette.

"They all too often cause the death of innocent bystanders and could themselves pay the ultimate price of being killed or maimed.

Seven more people have been charged with drink-driving as the Medway Messenger campaign starts its fourth week. The names of every person charged with the offence during the festive season will be published. The latest seven were charged between Wednesday and yesterday with driving while over the legal limit of alcohol.

They are Ricky Jones, 18, of Northwood Avenue, Rochester; Kevin Adams 24, of Tonge Road, Sittingbourne; Terry Winchester, 22, of Meresborough Road, Gillingham; Ivor Alderman, 38, Albatross Avenue, Strood; David Hoare, 56, of Forge Lane, Gillingham; Ramandip Singh Cheema, 23, of Moorpark Close, Gillingham; Louis Letchford, 19, of Sturry Way, Gillingham.

Graham Gibbens, Chairman of the Highways Advisory Board at Kent County Council spoke to KM-fm's Ally Barnard about the cost that drink driving puts on the Kent community...