MOTORISTS have been warned not to be complacent after police released more county drink-driving figures for Christmas and New Year.

In North Worcestershire, 24 drivers were breath-tested after collisions, of which two (8.3 per cent) gave a positive result. This compares to 4.6 per cent for the West Mercia area as a whole.

Overall, in North Worcestershire, 65 drivers were breath-tested over the festive period, of which five (7.69 per cent) gave a positive result or failed to provide a sample, compared to 7.5 per cent in West Mercia as a whole.

The news comes as the force last week released figures for South Worcestershire, claiming drink-related crimes for the area were at their lowest in the last three years.

These figures follow the launch of West Mercia's high-profile Operation Christmas Presence - a three-pronged attack on drink fuelled violence, drink-driving and drink spiking.

Insp John Morgan, who has responsibility for road policing in North Worcestershire, said: "It is disappointing more people are drinking and driving in our area than in other areas of the force.

"However, the numbers are still very low, which considerably affects the statistics.

"We are pleased drink-driving is now generally regarded as socially unacceptable and we are reminding people that even though Operation Christmas Presence has finished, they must not become complacent.

"Drink-driving is a year-round concern and we will continue to deal with offenders in a positive way."