Roadside tests to crackdown on drink and drug drivers in Shropshire

Police officers will visit pubs and off licences across the county to raise awareness of the dangers of being under the influence at the wheel, and extra patrols will be put on.

A social media campaign has also been launched by a road safety organisation to get the message across.

Officers in Market Drayton have pledged to carry out tests of drivers both in the morning and evening, while roadside kits will be used to see whther motorists are under the influence of drugs.

It comes after West Mercia Police revealed 10 people were killed and 108 seriously injured in the region following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a "contributory factor".

Superintendent Daryn Elton of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said: "Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then drive is a year round commitment for us. However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after taking drugs or drinking.

"To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and new year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving."

Vicki Bristow communications manager at West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership, said people shouldn't "gamble" with drink or drug driving and added that any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive.

She added: "We would also ask people to consider other options when out drinking over the festive season, public transport, taxis and sharing nominated drivers are easy to arrange – drinking and driving simply isn't worth the risk.

"Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the festive season and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly."

Constable Mick Sturland, of West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team for Market Drayton, said: "I am aiming to carry out a morning breath test check locally to target morning after drink drivers and an evening session too.

"We'll also be targetting drug drivers too with roadside test kits.

"On top of this, our Twitter page will highlight the dangers of drink and drug driving and also campaign messages.

"Following the festive season I'll advertise local figures. "

Last year Market Drayton drivers were praised after almost 100 drivers were stopped as part of a Christmas crackdown on drink-drivers – and not one was over the limit.