POLICE are urging motorists to show drink and drug driving the red card this summer.

Drink and drug driving offences typically increase during the summer and with a month of televised World Cup football at home or on big screens it could go up this summer.

West Mercia Police are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the issues around drink and drug driving, with increased enforcement activity from police officers across West Mercia in place.

Pedestrians are also being encouraged to stay safe during the summer and to plan safe routes home and to drink responsibly.

Figures indicate that, over the past three years, 17 people were killed and 104 seriously injured in West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

The campaign supports the month long drink drive campaign by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).

The consequences for anyone if they are caught drink or drug driving include a minimum 12 month driving ban, up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record.