More than 260 motorists arrested in West Mercia Police drink drive campaign
A West Mercia Police Christmas campaign led to 261 people being arrested for drink or drug driving over the festive period, figures released today reveal.
The force launched an initiative in December to highlight the risks of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Superintendent Paul Moxley from West Mercia Police said the figures were "concerning".
"During the December drink and drug drive campaign 261 motorists were arrested driving under the influence of drink or drugs in West Mercia," he said.
"It’s concerning that there are still people out there who feel it is acceptable to drive whilst under the influence and drivers out there ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.
"Enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a year round commitment for West Mercia Police and will form an important part of our policing into 2018."
Figures show that over the past three years, 13 people were killed and 109 seriously injured in the West Mercia area following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.
As part of the campaign, police said there is no safe way to calculate how much you can drink to remain under the limit and warned the public not to drive the morning after events such as Christmas parties.
It supported the month-long winter drink drive campaign by the National Police Chiefs Council.
Police forces throughout the UK were part of a nationwide crackdown on drink driving to ensure the roads were safe for everyone over Christmas.
Police say the consequences if caught drink driving are a possible six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least one year.
