West Mercia Police catch drivers on drink and drugs in first week of campaign

Officers from West Mercia Police have been out in force as they look to stamp out dangerous driving.

Drivers have been warned they could face prison if caught drunk or on drugs at the wheel.

The campaign launched on June 1 and officers covering the West Mercia region, including Worcestershire and Shropshire, have already caught out 24 drivers over the drink-drive limit while 21 others failed a drug driving test.

Police say drink and drug driving typically increases during the summer with as more people go out drinking for longer in the warmer weather.

The force is aiming to raise awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence and the impact it can have, and will put out two hard-hitting videos via its social media channels.

Officers will be out at all times of the day on all types of road, the force said.

During the past three years, 122 people have been killed or seriously injured in the West Mercia region as a result of crashes involving drink or drugs.

Around 45 per cent of drivers involved in collisions causing death or serious injury involving drink or drugs were aged 17-30, of which around 82 per cent were male.

Superintendent Stephen Cullen said: “We are committed to year-round enforcement of offences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, however we are acutely aware that the summer period can see a rise in these offences.

"Extra patrols will be conducted over the summer in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.

"Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.

"It’s worrying that we’ve already detected people across West Mercia that are willing to take the risk. Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time. We’re urging people to think hard about the consequences that a collision could lead to.”