West Midlands Police arrest 568 drink-drivers in summer blitz

The data, which was obtained via a FOI request from West Midlands Police, reveals the drink-drivers were caught during the months of June, July and August last year.

It was huge decrease on the figures for summer 2014, when there were 705 arrests, and down from the previous three 'spring' months when there was 580 arrests.

Across the UK, police forces caught over 9,305 motorists driving under the influence of alcohol during the 2015 summer period.

Last spring 8,970 were caught for drink-driving and over the previous winter there had been 8,482.

Further research on behalf of www.confused.com revealed that more West Midlands motorists have admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol than any other region in England.

A total of 31 per cent of motorists from this area have admitted to drink-driving compared to just 27 per cent nationally.

And 49 per cent of drivers in the West Midlands feel more inclined to have an alcoholic drink when the sun is out.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, said: "It comes as no surprise that over the last three years, West Midlands Police have caught over 2,003 intoxicated motorists during the summer months.

"Perhaps this spike in convictions comes down to the quarter of drivers in the West Midlands who find it more sociable to drink during the summer months. There are 30 per cent who enjoy a drink in the region's beer gardens over anywhere else during the summer."

Other statistics show that almost 32 per cent of people from the West Midlands have been a passenger in a car where the driver is under the influence of alcohol.

"During the summer months, it's quite easy to get carried away enjoying yourself in a beer garden. However, some Brits are putting themselves and others at risk by getting behind the wheel.

"It's worrying to hear that almost a third of West Midlands drivers admit to driving under the influence, the highest in England. Many people might not realise that one drink could put someone over the limit. Alcohol tolerance depends on a number of factors including the person's age, weight and metabolism. Therefore, the only safe option is not to drink if you plan to drive.

"Motorists who do decide to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, need to be aware of all the repercussions. Drivers who are caught committing this offence could have their licences revoked and in the future this could affect the price of their insurance.

If they are involved in an accident due to drinking while driving, insurance companies may refuse the right to pay out as the driver may have invalidated their insurance policy."