Shropshire Star

200 motorists fail breath tests in West Mercia and Mid Wales campaign

More than 200 drink-drivers were caught on the roads in West Mercia and Mid Wales during a month-long police crackdown, new figures revealed today.

Published
Last updated

In West Mercia, 4,000 drivers were stopped during December (2014) and 128 either refused to give a test or tested positive for drink or drugs.

The figure – which works out at 3.2 per cent of those stopped – compares to 3.3 per cent of drivers during the same period in 2013 and four per cent during 2012, showing a downward trend.

Superintendent Lee Davenport of West Mercia Police, said: "Although the drop isn't big, it's encouraging that the percentage of motorists testing positive is decreasing, showing that the message is getting through.

"However despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year there are still far too many irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users. Enforcing the drink-driving law is a year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Police and will continue to be a priority throughout 2015."

Dyfed-Powys Police said it carried out 8,204 breath tests during its Christmas anti-drink-drive campaign, with 140 failing the test.

Across Wales, 30,718 breath tests were carried out, with 488 failing.

In 2013, Dyfed-Powys Police carried out 11,281 breath tests, with 161 being positive.

In North Wales officers tested 15,627 drivers, with 76 being positive.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.