One hundred and twenty-six people either refused to give a test or tested positive after being breath tested over December 2017.

This equates to four per cent of the total number breathalysed across December. An additional 107 people in West Mercia also failed the new roadside drugs test as part of the campaign.

As well as enforcement activity the consequences of being caught driving under the influence were highlighted across social media and local radio advertising took place across the region. The advertising campaign supported the national month long winter drink drive enforcement campaign that was launched on 1st December by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).

Figures indicate that, over the past 3 years 13 people were killed and 109 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

West Mercia Police Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, said: “Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs is completely unacceptable.

"It’s encouraging that the percentage of those drivers that are caught over the limit remains low in our area but it’s concerning that we still have drivers out there who are willing to risk it.

"We are committed to tackling this issue and enforcing the drink and drug drive law is a top priority for West Mercia Police into 2018."