Motorists have been warned to stay onside of the law and not to drink and drive during the World Cup this month.

Police have launched a summer campaign to coincide with the tournament, which starts tomorrow as Russia take on Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Sussex Roads Policing Unit said: “The goal is to ensure motorists know the score when it comes to driving under the influence, or face the penalty.”

They said they’ve seen it all before, with drivers still believing they are under the legal limit the morning after a night of drinking.

Chief Inspector Warren Franklin said: “With the World Cup just around the corner, the number of football fans drinking in pubs and bars or at home will naturally increase, and that’s fine. What’s not fine is driving when you’re over the limit.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s only a short drive home or you’ve only had a couple – we’ve heard every excuse in the book, but ultimately there is no acceptable excuse to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs.

“You may not realise it, but these substances can seriously impair your ability to drive, placing yourself and other road users at significant risk.

“By all means enjoy yourself and take in the atmosphere of the World Cup, but don’t let it compromise the safety of you or anyone else on the roads.”

During last summer’s campaign, police say 150 motorists were arrested on suspicion of drink driving in Sussex.

Those caught face a minimum one-year ban, fines, increase in insurance premiums, and even face a prison sentence.