THE fact there was no increase in the number of people caught drink-driving over the Christmas period in this area is not necessarily a cause for celebration.

While the figures did not go up, they did not come down either. In fact, the numbers were remarkably similar for the festive periods of 2006 and 2007.

Last month, 216 drivers tested positive in West Mercia compared to 222 in 2006 - and it has to be borne in mind that police stopped almost 1,500 fewer people this time than the year before.

The sad reality is that, despite years of warnings and campaigns, there is a hard core of motorists who are simply not getting the message on drinking and driving.

Worryingly, one in eight drivers aged under 25 who were stopped failed the breath test.

Yet there has always been a perception that older drivers were more likely to flout the law on a consistent basis.

We find it surprising that so many drivers took a chance during a period in which they know police are more active.

Indeed, we find it incredible that anybody takes the chance at any time in this day and age.

There is no possible excuse for drinking and driving.

That's why the consistency in the number of positive tests between the two Christmas periods is so disappointing.

If 30 years or more of campaigns by police have not convinced some people not to drink and drive we doubt if anything ever will.