ROAD safety charity Brake is calling on the government to implement a zero tolerance drink-drive limit.
It comes as shocking West Mercia statistics show the number of arrests for drink and drug-driving this December have gone up for the third year running, despite police campaigns.
Since the launch of the annual Christmas campaign on December 1, 82 people have been held, with 55 of them in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.
This time last year the number was 61.
A Brake spokesperson said: “These figures are a clear illustration that drink and drug driving is increasingly prevalent on our roads, and particularly so at this time of year.
“Driving over the alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs is illegal and can have potentially devastating consequences.”
The charity also wants roadside screening devices that can detect all banned drugs approved for use and ‘more investment in national roads policing to provide the police with the resources they need to tackle the menace’
Insp Andy Holliday, who leads the North Worcestershire Christmas drink and drugs driving campaign for West Mercia Police, pleaded with drivers to heed the numerous warnings which had been put out.
“Anyone who chooses to drive under the influence is not only posing a serious danger to other road users but to themselves too, and it can result in devastating consequences.”
He advised drivers to plan their journeys home from Christmas parties or nights out, ensuring they got home safely via public transport or by taking a taxi.
And he urged people to make sure they made alternative transport arrangements the next morning as they could still be over the limit.
He warned as well as risking serious injury or their life, motorists caught would lose their licence and, potentially their job.
“It simply isn’t worth the risk,” he said.
