NEARLY 50 drivers across West Mercia have failed tests for either drug or drink driving in under a week.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia only launched its summer 'crackdown' on Thursday (June 1).

Since then they have already detected 24 drivers over the drink drive limit and 21 drivers have failed the drug driving test.

Drink and drug driving tends to increase in the summer months.

The campaign is being highlighted with two videos which will be promoted across West Mercia on social media.

Roadside checks will be carried out at all times of the day and night and on all types of road.

Over the past three years, 122 people have been killed or seriously injured in West Mercia as a result of collisions involving drink or drugs.

Of particular concern are motorists aged between 17 and 30.

Around 45 per cent of drivers in crashes which cause death or serious had been drinking or taking drugs and were aged between 17 and 30.

Of those drivers the majority - around 82 per cent - were male.

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

A conviction for drink driving can have a major impact on the future prospects of a young person. For example, it may lead to job loss, significant problems when applying for a job in the future and difficulty travelling abroad.

New drug driving laws brought in two years ago also make it a lot easier for the police to tackle drivers who choose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, with new drug testing kits in place to detect cannabis and cocaine.

The consequences if found guilty of a drug driving offence is the same as for drink driving.

Superintendent Stephen Cullen for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “Extra patrols will be conducted over the summer in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.

"Worryingly, and despite many warnings over the years about the dangers of drink/drug driving, there are still far too many reckless drivers ignoring the devastating consequences.

"It’s worrying that we’ve already detected people across West Mercia that are willing to take the risk. Alcohol and drugs both affect your ability to judge speed and distances accurately and slow down your reaction time."

The campaign coincides with the launch on June 1 of the summer drink drive campaign by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which all police forces across the UK are asked to support.