MORE than 80 drivers have already been arrested for drink and drug driving as part of the Christmas campaign.

West Mercia Police launched their drink drive campaign on December 1 raising awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving.

As festivities got underway police report 84 people in the region have been arrested across West Mercia for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs since the start of the campaign.

Over the past three years 13 people were killed and 109 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans for West Mercia Police said: “There are still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving and think they know how much the limit is.

"Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then decide to drive is a year round commitment for us.

"Extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over Christmas and new year in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.

"The simple fact is, there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.”

West Mercia Police also point out the consequences of being caught under the influence is a minimum £5,000 fine and an automatic driving ban - however, if you are also involved in a collision the effects can be far reaching.