Shropshire Star

84 arrests in first 12 days of drink drive crackdown

Eighty-four motorists have been arrested for drink or drug driving in the first few days of a festive crackdown.

Published

West Mercia Police said it has arrested 84 people across the force area during the Christmas and New Year campaign.

The force launched the campaign on December 1 with enforcement activities across the region.

Over the past three years, 13 people were killed and 109 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans, for West Mercia Police, said: "There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is.

"Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year-round commitment for us.

"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.

"The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”

The consequences of being caught under the influence is up to a £5,000 fine and an automatic driving ban.

However, if you are also involved in a collision the effects can be far reaching, the force said.