NO Redditch motorists were charged with drink-driving during a police roadside check in the town despite more than 100 cars being stopped.

A few motorists were charged with minor motoring offences but it was the first time no-one was charged for drink-driving during the check on the A441 near Abbey Stadium.

And police believe motorists are finally getting the message as they perform their annual blitz against drink-driving.

Traffic management officer for Redditch Pc Brian Seabourne said: We did get some drink-drivers last year but this year there was nobody, and we think people are being more cautious and the message about drink-driving is getting across.

Pc Seabourne said he had not seen evidence of drink-drinking because people were being more vigilant, either using alternative transport or having a designated driver.

He said: At the end of the day we want to educate people to prevent offences and accidents taking place rather than having to deal with them after they have.

And Pc Seabourne said new proposed Government legislation to tackle serious driving offences would also act as a deterrent.

He said: The Government is talking about stiffer penalties for serious driving offences, such as a life-time ban if a motorist is done for drink-driving twice.

The police will be stepping up patrols this week and over the New Year festivities but Pc Seabourne said drink-driving was actually a target for them all year.