'No excuse' for festive drink-driving - police

Police have launched a month-long campaign to keep drink and drug-drivers off the streets over the festive period.

West Mercia Police said its Operation Christmas Presence came alongside year-round vigilance, but added 186 people had been detained during the previous December.

Supt Stuart Bill said it was "extremely frustrating" that some motorists still drove under the influence of alcohol, and that the variety of non-alcoholic options now available meant there "really is no excuse".

The force added there was "no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit", and that any amount of alcohol would affect a driver's ability.

In a statement on Monday, the force said "enforcement of the drink and drug-drive law takes place across Herefordshire, Shropshire & Worcestershire all year".

But it added that highlighting the problem during the festive season was part of a commitment by the force and police commissioner John Campion to reduce harm on the region's roads.

If caught over the limit, motorists face six months in prison, an unlimited fine, and a ban from driving for at least one year, or three if convicted twice in a decade.

Campion said: "Through high-visibility patrols and robust enforcement, West Mercia Police will ensure those who choose to put lives at risk are identified and brought to justice."

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