RANDOM breath-tests in South Worcestershire have found that more than 17 per cent of motorists in the area are flouting the law when it comes to drink-driving.

As part of the force's ongoing Seven Deadly Sins road safety campaign, West Mercia police officers breathalysed 245 people between Monday, June 5 and Wednesday, July 5 - through the period of the World Cup finals. They found that 42 motorists, or 17.1%, were over the limit or refused tests.

Statistics for the region as a whole showed that of the 1,173 drivers targeted, 175 or almost 15 per cent were positive or the driver failed or refused to take part in a test.

Police commander for Wychavon District, Inspt Steve Brooker said: "Many people associate drink-driving with Christmas, but it is a year-round priority for us and the figures we have received, show there is a problem that needs fixing.

"We have a particular problem in the summer months when drivers go out for lunch or a drink at a pub in the evening to enjoy the fine weather in the gardens."

Inspt Brooker added West Mercia would be continuing its focus on eradicating drink-driving.

He said: "We remain committed to stamping this sort of behaviour out as the figures are telling us that there are still people out there who think drinking and driving is ok.

"They are running a huge risk in doing so though, as fines and jail sentences will be put into use. If they are driving under the influence, they are a danger to themselves and other road users."

Ten of the 600 people who die each year as a result of drink driving are from the region and an average five people are arrested each day for the offence in our area.

If convicted of a drink-drive offence, the person involved will have a criminal record, lose their licence for at least a year or even run the risk of some serious jail time, especially if anyone gets injured or killed in an accident.