More drivers test positive for drugs, say West Mercia Police

West Mercia Police tested 1,704 motorists who had been under the influence of drugs from January 2015 to November this year.

Until November, officers tested 689 people who were found to have committed the crime – set to beat the 704 figure for 2016, which saw a spike of 110 testing positive in December.

The drug wipe test has been used more than 3,000 in the past three years in Shropshire and its surrounding areas.

This means more than half of those police tested had drugs in their system.

Assistant chief constable Martin Evans said the force is "committed" to tackling drink and drug driving.

It comes as the force takes part in the national campaign throughout December combatting the problem in an effort to make Shropshire's roads safer.

Mr Evans said: "Our advice is simple: do not risk driving if you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive, and puts you and other road users at significant risk.

"There are always safer options, such as taxis, public transport or a designated driver. The consequences of being caught over the drink drive limit or testing positive for drugs while behind the wheel are serious and far-reaching.

"West Mercia Police is committed to tackling drink and drug driving throughout the year, and we also support the national campaign on this issue during December, which involves widespread enforcement across the force area as more people are out socialising over the festive period."

There were 304 drivers tested positive in 2015 – considerably less than following years.

But it is understood this could be down to powers to test for drugs at the side of the road being introduced part way through 2015.

The new figures, which have come from a Freedom of Information request to West Mercia Police, reveal 1,112 had cannabis in their system while 623 had consumed cocaine.