Hundreds caught drink or drug driving this month as police reveal grim total is close to last year's already

The festive period always sees police stepping up their efforts to deter potential drink or drug drivers, and catch those who to go over the limit.

West Mercia Police has been running its annual drink driving campaign warning that drink has been a factor in 25 road deaths and 167 serious injuries across the area over the last three years.

During that same period another 11 people have died and 68 have been injured in crashes involving drugs.

Last year saw 266 people arrested in the West Mercia policing region (Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire) during December 2023 for being over the limit whilst behind the wheel.

Sadly the number caught so far this month is already on track to beat last year's total.

West Mercia Roads Policing Unit confirmed that as of December 23 a total of 242 people had been arrested this month.

An update from the unit warned that those driving while over the limit are putting people's lives at risk - and face jail time themselves.

A spokesman said: "So far this month 242 people have been arrested for drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs.

"Willing to risk it and you face the consequences of an immediate driving ban, unlimited fine and potential prison sentence or loss of job. You also increase your chances of being involved in a collision.

"Enforcement has been taking place over the weekend in a number of locations across our three counties leading to arrests for drink and drug drive offences but also a number of other offences such as possession of drugs, theft, using a mobile phone whilst driving, no seatbelt, no insurance and a public order offence.

"It really isn't a difficult concept to grasp - if you are driving do not risk mixing this with drinking alcohol or having drugs in your system.

"Whilst the vast majority of drivers do the right thing, there are some that are clearly don't. Enforcement is in place 24/7, don't risk it!"