WATCH: Driver banned after swerving between lanes on the M6 while drunk

Twenty-five-year-old Laura Eeles was caught swerving between the hard shoulder and the first lane back in October this year.

The incident happened around junction six, for Birmingham.

The provisional licence holder, from Weoley Castle, Birmingham, was stopped on the southbound side of the motorway at around 6.20am on October 20.

She recorded 76 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – which is more than twice the legal limit – and admitted driving while under the influence of alcohol, having no insurance and only having a provisional driving licence.

She was disqualified from having a driving licence for 22 months and hit with a court bill of £275 at Birmingham Magistrates Court on November 20.

Using the footage as an example, West Midlands Police is warning people about the dangers of drink or drug driving this Christmas after launching its festive crackdown.

The force has this weekend kicked off its annual month-long operation to crackdown on motorists who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Officers from the force and the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) will target irresponsible drivers who put lives at risk through their illegal actions on roads across the region.

Dangerous

Sergeant Jon Butler, who is leading the WMP and CMPG Christmas campaign, said: “Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is a dangerous cocktail which can tragically cost lives.

“We want people to enjoy the festive season safely and there is no excuse for being irresponsible or reckless.

“Sadly this footage is not untypical of what we see from someone driving while intoxicated and it can be shocking how alcohol impacts a drivers’ control of their vehicle. Fortunately, no-one was injured on this occasion."

Officers will carry out roadside breath tests and those caught over the limit risk of penalty points, losing their licence or even time behind bars.

The intelligence-led operation will also see officers armed with drug testing kits to check those suspected of being under the influence of illegal substances.

It will involve pulling over anyone who could be suspected of drink or drug driving ranging from motorists in cars, HGV drivers to cabbies.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “For years I have been warning about the minority of people who get behind the wheel intoxicated and the danger this puts everyone else at.

“Most people have got the message, but too many still choose to flout the law and put lives at risk.

“I’m pleased to see West Midlands Police will be out in force this year as it is vital we do all we can to keep motorists safe on our roads."