West Midlands Police publish names of drink-drive accused

A police force has published the names of 13 people charged with drinking and driving so far this month, as part of a Christmas clampdown.

In a first for the force, West Midlands Police said every driver accused of being over the limit in December would be named on its website and on Twitter.

The tactic aims to cut the number of accidents caused by intoxicated drivers over the festive period.

A force spokesman said the campaign was "proportionate" to the danger posed.

The approach is backed by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

The force has also pledged to pay £200 to anyone who reports someone for drinking and driving who is subsequently convicted.

Last year, about 4,000 drivers were stopped and breath tested by West Midlands Police over the Christmas period. Of that number 338 either failed the test or refused to offer a specimen.

The month-long campaign began on 1 December and ends on 1 January.