Blitz on drink-drivers

Hundreds of motorists are being stopped and breathalysed as part of a Christmas crackdown on drink and drug drivers.

Police officers have been out in force around the region carrying out high-profile patrols and checks. Police have been stopping drivers on the A449 Stafford Road in Wolverhampton at night all this week. Superintendent Steph Popadynec said the operations were for public safety.

The officer, from Staffordshire Police, said: "Tackling drink and drug-driving is always a high priority for officers but particularly so during the festive period.

"It is a time for celebration but drivers need to take their responsibilities seriously if we are all to enjoy ourselves.

"Drink driving is against the law and there is no failsafe guide as to how much alcohol you can drink before you drive and the only safe option is not to have any.

"Remember, if you've been out drinking in the evening you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and you could still lose your licence if you're over the legal alcohol level."

Last year, over 50 motorists were caught over the limit behind the wheel during a crackdown in Wolverhampton. Police arrested 51 people from December 1 to January 1.

Police said it was "very disappointing" drivers had not got the message last year and were determine to cut the number this year.

Driver Jim Wildman, aged 35, of Stafford, was stopped on Wolverhampton's busy A449 on Tuesday night.

He said: "They were stopping two or three people at a time, testing people and handing out leaflets. Fortunately I was alright and so I was only held up for a few minutes."

Last year, more than 750 people in the West Midlands were hurt in drink-driving accidents during weekends alone and 540 people in England were killed. Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Drink driving ruins lives."