Warning to motorists ahead of Christmas festivities

Over the past three years across our three counties there have been 25 fatalities and 167 serious injuries on the roads where alcohol has been a contributory factor. An additional 11 fatalities and 68 serious injuries have occurred involving drugs. Whilst the vast majority of drivers do the right thing, across the three counties we arrested 266 people during December 2023 for being over the limit whilst behind the wheel.

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. In support of this throughout December we are taking part in Operation Limit, a month long national operation targeting those motorists that still think it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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 jeopardise the safety of all road users.

Op Limit is being supported by local Shropshire business Wenlock Spring with their 'The Only One for the Road', campaign encouraging drivers not to risk even one alcoholic drink if they are driving and highlighting the fact that non alcoholic options are available.

Superintendent Stuart Bill of West Mercia Police said: “It’s 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 can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system. Enforcement already takes place across the whole of our area in order to detect those who are willing to take the risk and to protect other road users and we hope that more people over the Christmas period choose a suitable alternative to alcohol if they are driving.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Anyone who makes a conscious decision to get into a vehicle after having a drink or taking drugs is putting not only their own life at risk but innocent road-users too. This unacceptable behaviour is part of the sad fact that many of the deaths and serious injuries happening on our roads are preventable. It’s therefore right that West Mercia Police carries out year-round enforcement across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire to identify offenders and bring them to justice. As set out in my Safer Communities Plan, I will continue to back the force with the resources it needs to carry out effective and proactive activity to ensure harm is reduced - a top priority for communities in West Mercia."