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Nearly 200 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving in the first three weeks of this month, West Mercia Police figures show.

The force has carried out a number of "targeted operations" in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, with 180 people detained.

Supt Steph Brighton said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists inexcusably still drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs."

Penalties for drink-driving include up to six months in jail, unlimited fines and a driving ban.

In the last three years across the three counties, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions, where alcohol has been listed as a contributory factor.

A further 12 people have been killed and 68 seriously injured in collisions where drugs have been involved, the force said.

Supt Brighton said checks would continue "24/7 across the whole of our area".

"We hope that more people over the Christmas period choose a suitable alternative to alcohol if they are driving,” she added.

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