Festive drink-drive campaign nets 278 offenders

West Mercia Police said that since 2020 in their force area, 23 people have died in crashes where drink or drugs were a factor

Almost 280 people were arrested for drink and drug-driving offences during the festive period, West Mercia Police have revealed.

The force, which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, says 278 drivers were detained in December.

Since 2020, it said 23 people had died in crashes, in its force area, where alcohol was a factor in the past three years, with another 12 deaths attributed to drug-fuelled collisions.

“Despite all the warnings 278 people are now starting the new year facing a possible court hearing, losing their licence and a fine," Supt Steph Brighton said.

"Enforcing the drink and drug drive law will remain an important part of our roads policing throughout the year as we strive to make our roads as safe as we possibly can, removing those from our roads that continue to think they are above the law.”

A similar campaign in 2022 resulted in 310 arrests, but this was across a longer period because of the men's football world cup which started in November.