Motorists ignoring police warning as number of drink-drivers go up

A total of 591 breath tests were administered following accidents and 33 either proved positive or refused to take the test.

This equated to 5.5 per cent, slightly up on last year's figure of 4.5 per cent and around the average monthly figure of five per cent.

Sergeant John Roberts of the Force Operations Department said a total of 2,639 drivers were tested during the course of Operation Christmas Presence and the total of positive or refused tests was 276.

"This year the statistics have been collated over a whole month instead of the usual two weeks so we are unable to give a like-for-like comparison.

"However, it appears that the number of people who are drinking and driving is remaining about the same."

The number of people injured in accidents in the force area during the campaign was 326.

In addition, 34 people were arrested for being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.

Sgt Roberts added: "There are still too many drivers ignoring the devastating consequences drinking and drinking can have for them, their family and friends as well as for other road users.

"The 276 people arrested during the campaign can look forward to the new year with a driving ban for at least 12 months, fines of up to £5,000 and even the possibility of up to six months imprisonment."

The officer concluded: "Drink-drive enforcement is year round activity for West Mercia, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

"We will not be letting up in our enforcement and our message to motorists is: "If you are drinking, don't drive. This is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in West Mercia."

Over the border in Warwickshire, police administered 941 breath tests of which 60 were positive, refused or failed, a figure of 6.4 per cent.

There were 96 breath tests after personal injury accidents of which six were positive, refused or failed. There were 135 personal injury accidents.