MORE than 100 motorists face losing their licence after being caught drink driving as part of the annual Christmas crackdown.
Figures for December’s drink drive campaign have just been released and show 128 people across the West Mercia Police region either refused to give a sample or tested positive for drink and drugs.
Of those 20 were caught after being involved in a collision while the others were snared as part of a targeted testing operation carried out by police over the festive period.
In total 3,919 breath tests were carried out, slightly down from last year’s record high of 4,793.
However despite the large number of arrests, West Mercia Safer Roads Partnership say overall the percentage of those being caught is coming down.
Just 3.2 per cent of those tested were found to be over the limit in 2014, down from 3.3 per cent in 2013 and 4 per cent the year before.
The drop is slightly larger for those testing positive after a collision, falling from 4.4 per cent in 2012 to 3.6 per cent in 2014.
Over the last three years 110 people were killed or seriously injured on West Mercia’s roads in collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor. Another 469 suffered slight injuries.
Those caught drink driving are banned for a minimum of 12 months, fined up to £5,000 and could even face up to six months in prison.
Supt Lee Davenport, of West Mercia Police, said: “Although the drop isn’t big, it’s encouraging that the percentage of motorists testing positive is decreasing, showing the message is getting through.
“However despite our many warnings over the festive period and throughout the year there are still far too many irresponsible drivers thinking they can risk drinking and driving, ignoring the devastating consequences that this can cause for them, their family, friends and other road users.
“Enforcing the drink driving law is a year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week activity for West Mercia Police and will continue to be a priority throughout 2015.”
Despite the warnings, some people are still drink-driving in Worcestershire. Picture by Tristan Harris.
