A Worcestershire man was disqualified from driving last week as 278 people were arrested for drink and drug driving offences across the three counties in December. 

Last month, West Mercia Police supported the national drink and drug drive campaign to crack down on motorists who are willing to risk mixing driving with having alcohol or drugs in their system. 

In the last three years, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions across the three counties 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. 

Superintendent Steph Brighton said: "It's encouraging that the majority of people on the roads are behaving responsibly and most drivers wouldn't even think twice about getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. 

"But the number of arrests we have made in the run-up to Christmas and New Year indicates that there are still people out there that think it is acceptable and ignore the devastating consequences this could have to themselves, family, friends and other road users." 

If driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drinking you might get six months imprisonment, an unlimited fine or a driving ban for at least a year. 

A case was heard last week where on November 19, police were called to a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Barnt Green. 

Christopher Blair, from Barnt Green, was involved in the collision and drove off from the scene. 

He was traced to his home address shortly after where he failed a breath test and was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drink, driving whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol and driving without valid insurance. 

Blair went to court on January 2 and pleaded guilty to all offences. He was disqualified from driving for four years, required to carry out unpaid work for 120 hours and to pay court costs. 

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion, said: "As set out in my Safer West Mercia plan, I am committed to reducing the harm caused on our roads. 

"It is important when motorists show a reckless disregard for the law by choosing to get behind the wheel whilst over the limit that they face the consequences of their actions."