Warning to motorists ahead of Christmas festivities

Over the past three years across our three counties there have been 13 fatalities and 132 serious injuries on the roads where alcohol has been a contributory factor. An additional 24 fatalities and 100 serious injuries have occurred involving drugs. Whilst the vast majority of drivers do the right thing, across the three counties we arrested 186 people during December 2024 for being over the limit whilst behind the wheel.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have devastating consequences to all those involved. Ensuring our roads are safe for all is a 24/7 commitment for us and enforcement of the drink and drug drive law takes place across Herefordshire, Shropshire & Worcestershire all year.

Reducing the harm caused on our roads is a key commitment for West Mercia Police, as set out in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s West Mercia Safer Communities Plan. Highlighting the issues around driving under the influence of alcohol is forming part of an overall month long campaign, Op Christmas Presence, aimed at helping keep everyone safe this festive season.

There is no fool-proof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely. Any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system. If caught over the limit motorists face 6 months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years). Beyond these penalties, those choosing to drive under the influence of either drink or drugs jeopardise the safety of all road users.

Superintendent Stuart Bill of West Mercia Police said: “The Drink Drive law has been in place for 60 years with the ability for officers to deliver breath tests at the side of the road since the 1980s. It’s therefore extremely frustrating that some motorists still drive under the influence of alcohol. With the variety of non alcoholic options now available there really is no excuse. There is no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely”.

“Any amount of alcohol or drugs can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol or drugs in your system. Enforcement takes place 24/7 across the whole of our area in order to detect those who are willing to take the risk of driving under the influence and to protect other road users.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: "There is absolutely no excuse for drinking or taking drugs and then getting behind the wheel. The consequences can be catastrophic – not just for the driver, but for innocent people, families, and entire communities.

“With road safety at the heart of my police and crime plan, I fully support efforts to reduce harm on our roads. 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.”

Op Christmas Presence will run throughout December with high visibility patrols carried out across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. The campaign will also raise awareness of a number of issues, including domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour.