Chief Superintendent Pasi Kemppainen, a member of the executive committee of the European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL) and chair of the organisation's alcohol and drug working group, said: 'Drivers in all European countries can expect highly visible and widespread enforcement of alcohol and drug laws during the operation. 

'A combination of education and rigorous enforcement has helped reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured as a result of collisions involving someone drink-driving or drug-driving. Around 35,000 people died in road collisions in Europe during 2009, and we know that drink-driving is one of the major causes. 

'Those who choose to ignore all the warnings and drive after drinking or using drugs are taking an unacceptable risk and are putting the lives of others in danger. We intend doing everything possible to remove these people from the road, not only during the seven days of this operation but at any other time of the year, too.'

During a similar week-long operation in December 2009, a total of 970,877 drivers were checked in 23 European countries. Officers reported 16,499 alcohol offences and 1,119 drug offences.