More than 1,000 arrested and convicted of drink driving in Shropshire

The scale of the problem today led to campaigners to call for stiffer punishment for those over the limit.

Between the start of 2015 and last month, 769 drivers in Shropshire were caught drink driving. Meanwhile, in Telford, 213 motorists were caught drink driving in 2015, with 32 caught up until March this year.

The figures show that despite widespread campaigns, the problem is getting slightly worse year-on-year, seeing six more convictions in 2016 than in 2015.

The findings, from a Freedom of Information Act request, revealed a 16-year-old was caught on a moped while under the influence. The oldest to be convicted in the last two years was 77.

Those caught drink driving face a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Road safety campaigner John McSherry, from Claverley, today said the punishment dished out to those who commit drink-drive offences fail to act as a deterrent.

Mr McSherry and his wife Michelle were involved in a collision eight years ago involving a driver who was driving over three times the legal limit. The couple were left with serious injuries and the driver died.

He said fines should increase and prison sentences made longer for the most serious offences, adding: “I’m afraid the punishments for drink drivers in this country have very little effect, if any on them.

“Some might get a prison sentence or even a suspended sentence but that’s nothing, that’s not severe enough because many do it again.

“Eight years after our accident my wife and I are still suffering, I’ve got an operation on my knee next week – we still have to take pain relief everyday.

“We’ve got a life sentence, while those who drink drive are slapped on the wrist and away they go. Until the country has a zero tolerance policy on drink drivers I will never be satisfied.”

Anna Higgins,of the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, said: “Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a 24/7 commitment for West Mercia Police.

“Unfortunately there are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is. Ongoing enforcement and targeted campaigns continue to take place to remind motorists of the dangers of drinking and driving, and crack down on those who choose to drive after drinking alcohol.

“As the data highlights, drinking and driving is not being carried out by one particular age group.

“It is a choice and unfortunately one which too many motorists think they can risk despite the consequences if caught.

“The immediate consequences for anyone if they are caught drink driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to six months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record, plus a significant impact on your future prospects.”