China's police authority Friday launched a two-month campaign against drink driving aimed at preventing serious traffic accidents ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in October.

The campaign would focus on stopping suspected drivers and vehicles and confirmed offenders would face severe penalties, said the Ministry of Public Security.

"No matter who the driver is, or what is the reason, any drink driver will be severely punished. Let drink driving be a high-tension line that no one dares to touch," said Liu Jinguo, Vice Minister of Public Security.

If drunk drivers are caught, their licenses will be suspended for three or six months and, in serious cases, the driver would be detained for 15 days.

If a drunk driver is caught twice within one year, his or her license will be revoked for two to five years.

"Police officers who cover up for drunk drivers or mete out lenient punishments will also be investigated," Liu said.

He said the ministry would continue a national crackdown on drink driving on a permanent basis after the campaign.

The ministry would also start consultations with other departments to determine if it was necessary to increase penalties for drink driving, Liu said.

The campaign is the latest in a series of ministry moves against drink driving following an increase in traffic fatalities and accidents in recent months that have raised great public concern.

Last Friday, a drunk driver in Hangzhou killed a 16-year-old girl. Two days later, another drunk driver in Shanghai killed a four-year-old boy and injured three others.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2009)