Police arrest 180 over drink and drug driving

West Mercia Police officers have made dozens of arrests for drink and drug driving

Nearly 200 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving in the first three weeks of this month, West Mercia Police figures show.

The force has carried out a number of "targeted operations" in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, with 180 people detained.

Supt Steph Brighton said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists inexcusably still drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Penalties for drink-driving include up to six months in jail, unlimited fines and a driving ban.

In the last three years across the three counties, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions, where alcohol has been listed as a contributory factor.

A further 12 people have been killed and 68 seriously injured in collisions where drugs have been involved, the force said.

Supt Brighton said checks would continue "24/7 across the whole of our area".

"We hope that more people over the Christmas period choose a suitable alternative to alcohol if they are driving,” she added.