Motorists across the West Mercia region have been issued a stark warning as police launch their annual Christmas crackdown on drink and drug driving. The force has emphasised there is no reliable method for drivers to calculate how much alcohol they can consume and still remain under the legal limit.
The Festive Crackdown: Operation Christmas Presence
West Mercia Police initiated their Operation Christmas Presence campaign at the start of December. The operation will see high-visibility patrols throughout the month across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. The aim is to identify and prosecute those who choose to drive under the influence.
Superintendent Stuart Bill highlighted the long history of the law, stating: “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.”
The Harsh Reality: Consequences and Casualties
The police force provided sobering statistics to underline the campaign's importance. Over the past three years, alcohol was a contributory factor in 13 road deaths and 132 serious injuries within the region. A further 24 fatalities were linked to drug-driving incidents.
The consequences for those caught are severe and can include:
- Up to six months in prison.
- An unlimited fine.
- A driving ban for at least 12 months.
Supt Bill stressed the unpredictability of alcohol's effects, saying: “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.”
A Call to Community Responsibility
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion echoed the warnings, urging all drivers to think carefully before getting behind the wheel. “The consequences can be catastrophic – not just for the driver, but for innocent people, families, and entire communities,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to road safety and pledged robust enforcement. “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.”
The force's final message is clear: with the wide availability of non-alcoholic alternatives, there is simply no excuse for drink-driving this festive season. The only guaranteed way to stay safe and legal is to separate drinking from driving entirely.
